Report: West Ham make £5-million bid for Sunderland's Connor Wickham

Connor Wickham's future at the Stadium of Light looks even more uncertain as West Ham have reportedly launched a £5-million bid for the England U-21 striker.

Wickham apparently rejected a four-year contract extension at the beginning of August, leading to an ultimatum from Sunderland manager Gus Poyet.

“For me, Connor’s situation is clear," said Poyet earlier this month. "He needs to sign a new contract or we let him go – we sell him. There is nothing in between."

A year remains on Wickham's current contract, meaning he can leave Sunderland at the end of the season on a free transfer. It's understandable that the club wouldn't want to lose Wickham for nothing as he scored five goals towards the end of the last campaign to help the Black Cats survive relegation.

Should West Ham, who are in desperate need of another striker following another long-term injury to Andy Carroll, increase their offer to £8 million, Sunderland could reportedly be persuaded to sell the 21-year-old, particularly if Fabio Borini completes a £14-million move from Liverpool to the Stadium of Light.

However, Sunderland rivals Newcastle are apparently also interested in Wickham as manager Alan Pardew is a big fan of the striker.