Yossi Benayoun had a showdown meeting with West Ham United yesterday in which he was likely to ask for a transfer from the Premiership club.

The Israeli midfielder is unhappy at the way he has been treated by the manager Alan Curbishley, who has endured a difficult relationship with several players at the club.

Yossi Benayoun requested the meeting which is likely to become a test as to whether or not West Ham United execute the wholesale clear out that was threatened earlier this season.

The meeting came the day after Alan Curbishley met with West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson to discuss the club’s summer transfer targets

Yossi Benayoun was close to leaving West Ham last summer when there was interest from Liverpool and Arsenal but, in the end, no bid was made.

Yossi has two years left on his contract with the club and was offered a new contract, which would have earned him about £40,000 a week, but the deal was not signed.

After yesterday’s meeting a five-year contract with a significant raise has been offered, Yossi and his agent Ronen Katzav are leaning toward accepting the offer. The two sides are set to meet again next week.