The enigma that is Diame's release clause

An astounding number of different things have been said about Mohamed Diame's release clause and intentions in this transfer window. Is it £3.5 million? Is it £7 million? Does it even exist? And assuming it does, what does he want done about it? So many questions. So few answers. So very many articles. Most sources report the clause to stand at £3.5 million, and for the sake of this particular article, we're going to assume that that is indeed accurate. With regards to Diame's intentions however... well. That's a whole 'nother ball game.

This article in the Daily Mail claims that Diame will challenge West Ham over their 'dirty' attempts to stop his release clause from coming into effect, while this article - also from the Daily Mail - suggests that Diame is happy at West Ham, and wishes to stay! Confused? You bet your life you are. Well so am I, so hop into my figurative boat and we'll attempt to traverse this winding river of possibilities together without getting completely lost.

As far as I can tell, West Ham may have attempted to get Diame to sign a new contract which would either remove the clause from his contract or increase it to the occasionally-reported £7 million, which - having not gone through yet - would indicate that Diame wants to leave. Alternatively, considering that Diame has reportedly made statements indicating he wishes to stay, there should be no discussion of a move away from Upton Park. But then why hasn't he amended his contract with the Hammers? Still confused? You betcha. Am I? Yup.

In other news, remember that winding river of possibilities I mentioned earlier? We are now completely lost. Anybody have a compass?

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