West Ham have tonight confirmed they have been knocked back in a cheeky bid for West Brom’s Salomon Rondon.
However, they refuse to believe the move has collapsed completely and intend to continue pressing the Baggies.
They launched a £10 million bid plus fringe players but were knocked back by Albion despite new boss Slaven Bilic being resigned to losing the striker.
The Hammers were hoping they could capitalise on the confusion at Newcastle where Rondon was on loan last season where Rafa Benitez has parted company with the club after wanting to make the front man a permanent signing.
A highly placed Hammers source told ClaretandHugh the story as reported by the Daily Star at https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/787729/West-Ham-Salomon-Rondon-bid-transfer-news-latest was true and also confirmed that the club had offered Sam Byram and Jordan Hugill as part of the deal.
He added: “Rondon could be seen very much as back up to Arnie but the deal was rejected. We still believe we have a cent chance of getting the player. Let’s see what happens over the next few weeks”
The Hammers obviously believed their former boss Bilic would be willing to let Rondon leave as he would want to build his own team as the Baggies looked for promotion in the new season.
I wish people at the club would stop talking about “back ups”. The term should be banned.
Every player in the squad should be considered for selection, equally, for every match based on fitness, form, application, opposition and tactics. There should be a total equality based meritocracy. No one should have a free pass or any preferential treatment for a first team place and that should be made clear to every player.
Perhaps like me you are a Socialist Sparrow
Seems weird Oxford wasn’t offered. 12m plus Oxford is fair with a sell on clause.
I think he’s a good player, he may not score 20 goals but he’ll get you 10-15 goals in the right side.
Offer Hernandez he wants a move
We know Slaven wants Oxford so offer him in part exchange and get it done
£10m is a measly amount in this day and age.
I, personally, don’t think that deal would have been a disaster for West Brom. We need virtually a new team because the departures haven’t finished yet.
With an Owner who won’t invest, and an administration who veer between delusions of grandeur and scrooge like parsimoniousness in equal measures, £10 million; a centre back and a striker for a guy who won’t ever play for us again ticks a lot of boxes.
That comes as a relief as I think even £10 mill is too much for a player who fails to convert so many chances.