West Ham United have been halted in their pursuit of defender Aleksandar Dragovic, as Dynamo Kiev say he will cost more than £20 million.

Dragovic, 24, joined Kiev from FC Basel in the summer of 2013 for just over £6 million. But after an impressive two seasons in Ukraine, which saw him start 45 games, Kiev believe his market value has more than trebled.

This has proved a setback for new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who is searching for a top-class centre-back ahead of the new season and requested the Hammers made an enquiry for Dragovic - according to the Daily Telegraph.

West Ham’s options for a central defender now seem to be diminishing, as they were recently quoted a similar price for Monaco’s Aymen Abdennour.

However, the Hammers may now switch their attentions to a move for long-term target Angelo Ogbonna of Juventus.