Hammers midfielder hopes fade and die

West Ham’s hopes of signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes died tonight when the player decided to rejoin the Portuguese outfit after quitting the club last month.

He has been one of nine players to leave the club after supporters physically attacked some of the players but despite a £20 million bid by the Irons, Fernandes has now chosen to sign a five year deal with a €100m release clause.

He revealed to a news conference that despite receiving better offers from elsewhere he had agreed to stay with Lisbon after the club pledged to introduce better security.

Former Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho was removed by club members last month after being blamed for the supporter attacks.

However, he will run for the role in fresh elections in September.

The other players to quit Sporting alongside Fernandes were Rui Patricio, Bas Dost, Rodrigo Battaglia, Daniel Podence, Gelson Martins, William Carvalho, Rafael Leao and Ruben Ribeiro.