West Ham United 'fall short with bid for Besiktas midfielder Gary Medel'

Besiktas have rejected a £6.5m offer from West Ham United for defensive midfielder Gary Medel, according to a report.

The Hammers are believed to have made their move for the Chile international over the past few days after opening talks at the start of the month.

Despite Besiktas being in financial crisis, however, The Sun claims that they are refusing to sell Medel on the cheap.

Former Real Madrid centre-back Pepe has already been released and Jeremain Lens is expected to be the next star name to make way.

United have reportedly been told to up their bid if they want to land Medel, who spent a season in the Premier League with Cardiff City in 2013-14.

A midfield hardman in the mould of Medel is a priority for Manuel Pellegrini, having seen his side ship 27 goals in 18 league games this term.