David Moyes passed on the chance to sign centre back Cedric Kipre from Wigan Athletic.
Kipre was reported to be one of West Ham defensive transfer targets but the manager snubbed the 23-year-old Ivorian centre-back who yesterday become the latest addition to the Baggies after signing a deal that will keep him at the club until 2024.
Slaven Bilic is reported to have paid just £990,000 to sign the Wigan defender on a four-year contract.
Moyes previously told Ken Dyer in the Evening Standard “We’re trying to bring in a younger group but we will also need a couple of experienced players. Central defenders are usually better when they’re more experienced.”
Moyes also confirmed he wants to strengthen in defence adding “We’re lacking in defensive cover. We’re also looking to see who could move on, because that could change the direction we take during the transfer window.”
West Ham yesterday put a £27m for 27-year-old England centre back James Tarkowski yesterday and await Burnley’s answer.
Although the defender is reported to have a release clause of £50m it is hoped Burnley may cash in as Tarkowski turns 28 in November.
They will not take 27m and our board knew that when they made the bid
They have made yet another short sighted imbecilic decision and now are scrambling around trying to undo the damage done with the fans and their players
It won’t work even if we sign him
Great player but not at £50 million there having a laugh.
Anything has to be an improvement on the shambolic defence that Bournemouth tore apart this afternoon.What a bloody mess again.They could not run a bath never mind a football club.A lot of very disgruntled players on show today judging by the body language and lack of effort.