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Irons target disappointed and ready to quit club

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Gary Medel was the only player in whom the Irons were interested

West Ham’s one transfer target in the winter window – Besiktas defensive midfielder Gary Medel – is reported disappointed the move didn’t happen.

Manuel Pellegrini has said since the window closed that he was the only player to whom the Hammers had serious interest but that the terms were unacceptable.

As a result the move fell through and that according to a Turkish media outlet Medel has been left cheesed off and hoping for a summer move.

He would have arrived as cover for Declan Rice whose outstanding form would have seen him probably only making a few appearances.

However, he remains upset it didn’t happen and with his contract coming to an end this season, it seems unlikely he will be signing a year’s extension to his present contract.

The Hammers were believed to have offered what was originally wanted – £4 million -but it turned out the Turkish club moved the goalposts and wanted nearer £8 million.

Claims of his disappointment have arisen in Milliyet, who add that when Besiktas rejected the Hammers’ offer, he was promised the armband and retirement at the club.

But it’s now claimed he’s now changed his mind, with his agent telling the club about his wish to leave.

Milliyet adds that Medel wants to continue his career in England, although it’s not mentioned if West Ham would come with a new offer for him.

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon