Hammers gave Spurs a free run

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..