Crystal Palace’s hopes of landing Cheikhou Kouyate from West Ham have been thwarted with the Hammers the player will join Porto.
According to a report from the Mirror, the Hammers wish to use Kouyate as part of a swap deal to bring striker Moussa Marega to the London Stadium.
Kouyate has made 129 Premier League appearances for the club since joining from Anderlecht in 2014, scoring 12 league goals.
New West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini secured the services of free agent Jack Wilshere earlier this summer, and it remains to be seen where Kouyate will fall in the midfield pecking order.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson is keen on the Senegalese international as a replacement for Yohan Cabaye, who left the club upon the expiry of his contract.
The Eagles are willing to pay £10 million for the player but are being made to wait for a decision on his future.
Marega scored 23 goals as Porto claimed the Portuguese title last season, and would boost Pellegrini’s limited attacking options.
