West Ham’s target has had his head turned

Brentford director Phil Giles raged after West Ham target Scott Hogan received phone calls regarding his future on the eve of Brentford’s last TWO games. The Bees’ co-director of football made it clear that he was NOT criticising the 24-year-old striker and understood that it would impact on Hogan’s preparation. The Bees have rejected multiple bids from more than one club.

He raged against the agents in the game who have interfered in head coach Dean Smith’s match preparations with Brentford losing 2-1 against Newcastle and Wigan respectively.

Giles explained: “Before the Newcastle game, Scott was meant to be involved. On Friday night, he got a call saying a club were going to make a bid. It’ll be done on Saturday night. He’s completely distracted. It’s not his fault. He’s completely distracted – it’s not his fault but his focus is not on the game anymore. This week, he trains all week. He had a slightly tight hamstring. He was going to be involved – the same thing last night happened.”

“He got a call saying there were things moving and he got a call and I got a call. No criticism of Scott. He wants to play and needs to play. It’s unfair on him and Dean who is trying to make plans for the game today. The whole thing is completely out of control. The whole system needs looking at. All clubs are getting affected by this.”

He added: “Agents are making the calls telling him you’re going to get a big move, it’s your big chance. Of course, he’s going to get distracted by that. No criticism of him whatsoever. We support him and he wants to play and I support Dean and the way he deals with it. The whole system is completely crazy. He was meant to be involved today and then he gets a phone call. It changes our plans completely.The whole thing is ridiculous. We’re looking ahead to next week – what are we going to do then? We want to pick our best players. We’re paying our best players to play a big game.”

West Ham are thought to have made a offer of £9m for Hogan with £4.5m of potential add ons. The deal is thought to have been agreed in principle but the West Ham board are still awaiting final approval from Slaven Bilic.