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Hammers' Hibic blow

West Ham had agreed a £2m deal for Hibic

The Bosnian international was set to join the Hammers after a £2m deal was agreed.

But a change in terms by the player's agent has effectively forced the London club to pull out of the deal.

"Hibic's agent has made outrageous demands," West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge told the club's website.

"This not only vastly increased what he wants, but would have made it more advantageous for him to seek to move the player on in a short space of time.

"That is not acceptable to us, and, though we are naturally disappointed we will not be held to ransom."

Hammers boss Glenn Roeder's Premiership preparations have already been hit with the news that goalkeeper David James faces a lengthy lay-off.

James ruptured his posterior cruciate ligaments in England's 2-0 friendly defeat by Holland on Wednesday.