West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek may be getting price out of a new contract at West Ham by his agent, according to former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Soucek has become an integral part of David Moyes' side since joining West Ham in January 2020, but he is yet to agree terms on a new deal with the Premier League club.

What's the latest news involving Soucek?

The 27-year-old has scored 18 league goals for West Ham in his time at the club, and has become a reliable partner for Declan Rice in midfield. Therefore, it seemed like it would be a formality when it came to him negotiating a contract extension.

This has not been the case, though, with it being reported that contract talks have been put on hold for the moment.

According to 90min, Moyes has told the club's board that the Czech international does not warrant an improved deal right now. Soucek's contract is set to expire in 2024, as things stand.

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What has Palmer said about Soucek's contract situation?

Palmer has claimed that Soucek's agent may be the one behind talks stalling as he could be asking for too much money for his client, causing West Ham to stand their ground.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Palmer said: “Some agents price their players out of contracts. I don’t know what he’s asking for, I believe he’s on about £45,000-a-week now. West Ham aren’t going to jump and pay him £100,000-a-week, but if his agent is asking for £100,000-a-week, then of course contract talks are going to stall.”

How important is it that West Ham keep Soucek?

It is vital, considering Rice's future is very much uncertain at the moment.

Rice recently turned down a contract offer from West Ham, and is attracting attention from Chelsea and both Manchester clubs.

It seems the Hammers may face a tough task of convincing him to stay beyond this season, and if they lose him it would be a major blow.

This setback would be compounded if Soucek departed as well. The £40.5m-rated midfielder has been one of West Ham's most consistent players since Moyes rejoined the club, helping the team move from relegation candidates to European contenders.

If he moved on in the same window as Rice, with Mark Noble also set to retire this summer, it would leave Moyes with a huge hole in his midfield that will be very difficult to fill.

Therefore, coming to an agreement with Soucek is crucial if West Ham want to keep competing for a European place in the coming seasons.