Claret and Hugh understand that complex problems surround completing the proposed £30m transfer of Said Benrahma from Brentford with a club insider revealing that the problem is not physical but is medical in nature.
During his lunch time virtual press conference David Moyes appeared to pour cold water on the suggestion that Benrahma had failed a medical telling reporters: ‘That’s not correct. We are still hopeful something can be done later today but I can’t guarantee that. Part of his medical is ongoing‘
Our sources say the problem is complex and the chance of completing the deal by 5pm has dropped to just 25%.
Darren Lewis in the Daily Mirror backs this up saying ‘The issue is understood to relate to blood tests which have been submitted for “reinvestigation”.
David Sullivan is also reported to be attempting to re-negotiate the deal with Brentford to get the player for a lower price with Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail reporting ‘West Ham willing to negotiate a lower price for Said Benrahma (and wages). Brentford still want deal done but have to accept new deal. Deal’s off as it stands. Lots of haggling to be done before 5pm’
Alex Crook from Talksport radio adds that Brentford manager Thomas Frank confirmed has talks with West Ham for Said Benrahma are ongoing. If this one happens now it is likely to be a loan move with an obligation to buy Crook claims.
Jacob Steinberg from the Guardian says ‘Been told the Benrahma deal is “very complicated” but not definitely off. Still wouldn’t bet against him becoming a West Ham player today‘ later adding ‘Now a growing sense it could be off. Was just given a low probability on Benrahma joining today… Deal was £25m plus £5m in add-ons. Brentford have always said they won’t do less than £30m. Hard to see them taking a lower fee’
In the meantime we are told Josh King’s people have been put on red alert and the player could be on his way to London as a late alternative should the Benrahma not be concluded.
Two things strike me about this.
One. Benrahma Is either medically fit or he isn’t, he passes the medical or he doesn’t surely. So what’s all this nonsense about sully negotiating a lower price?
Two. Putting Josh King on standby in case Benrahma falls through is no way to treat the player is it? Lacks class if you ask me.
What an absolute joke …how much time have we wasted on transfers that havnt happened this window..the small 5 million and under transfers go through within literally minutes…something stinks to high heaven….absolute tin pot……now just wait for the injuries…and when it all goes sour it wont be our fault of course…
Lacks class. Suits our owners to the tee that Moggy
Zabaleta has hung up his boots after an 18-year professional football career
Argentine right-back won two Premier League title in nine seasons with City
He also lifted the FA Cup, two League Cups and made PFA Team of the Season
He made 58 appearances for Argentina and played at the 2014 World Cup
Zabaleta then rounded off his career with three seasons playing at West Ham United where he won absolutely nothing.
What I don’t understand is: why are we buying a winger/forward when it has been constantly Moyes wants to bring in FB’s? Okay we’ve got a new CB, but according to Frank McAvennie he was brought in to keep the current CB’s on their toes.
I now have the impression that Moyes doesn’t have a say with transfers.
I don’t think any manager has in the last ten years. They have all been “The Football Manager” Sullivan’s pick.