By Dave Langton
Hammers boss David Moyes was given the chance to bid for Yves Bissouma before Spurs were offered the player, we can reveal.
The Irons manager was offered the opportunity to table an offer for the midfielder, as he considered an exit from Brighton. 
Moyes ultimately opted against it and Bissouma has instead joined Spurs in a deal that is worth an initial £25m.
Arsenal were also interested in signing the Mali international but we understand that the player’s agent first contacted the Irons over doing a deal.
Moyes has been focused on signing Nayef Aguerd from Rennes, as he looks to bolster his defence, and there remains a desire to sign Alphonse Areola from PSG on a permanent deal.
As a result, midfield reinforcements were not deemed a priority when Bissouma was offered and he has instead moved to north London.
It should also be pointed out, here, that Bissouma is continuing to wait for the conclusion of a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault which may well have been a big factor in deterring Moyes..
Really? They’re that unable to multitask?
Said it before – very big miss and at the price a bargain which should have been easily managed at the same time. Ward Prowse will be up to three times the price yet they are interested in him? Honestly they have had months to work out their targets all this smoke and mirrors just looks foolish.
Let’s face it. Even if we were in for him , spurs would have still come in and he would have chose spurs.
Moyes is known for buying players as much for their character as anything else so yes the fact the guy has been accused of being a sex offender could have put him off a bit.
Why go for someone with such a possible offence in the background? Probably Moyes has had enough of that sort of issue after catgate!
Agree with Ryan,Clive and Budgie. Can you imagine the uproar if we had managed to beat Spuds to his signature and his court case went wrong?