West Ham United boss David Moyes has been dealt a major blow after one of his longstanding targets snubbed him in favour of a move to Leeds United.
West Ham have been linked with a move for Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo since last summer.
Indeed the Hammers were said to be leading the chase for the Spaniard up until last week when Leeds entered the fray.
Left-back is an area where West Ham need to be looking to strengthen as Aaron Cresswell struggles at times in a back four while Arthur Masuaku is not good enough defensively.
West Ham fans were excited by prospect of finally landing Firpo but Leeds muscled in
West Ham fans were excited by the prospect of signing Barcelona outcast Firpo.
Recent reports claimed Leeds were also interested (Mundo Deportivo print edition, June 26th, page 3).
But West Ham supporters felt the attraction of London and playing in Europe would trump anything Leeds could offer the 24-year-old.
Well that has not been the case as it seems Leeds have beaten West Ham to the signing of Firpo.
Leeds beat Hammers to Moyes target claims new report from Spain
That’s according to a new report from Get Spanish Football News quoting Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti.
“Both clubs (Barca and Leeds) are currently working on closing the deal and an official announcement is reportedly close,” Get Spanish Football News reports.
“Junior was only considering a move to Milan until Leeds made their offer, convincing the player in a matter of hours. Barca estimate a fee of €15 million (£12.8m).
Hammers must act fast to ensure it’s not the same story with other key targets
“Leeds sporting director, Víctor Orta, is believed to have been the key player in the deal.”
Some reports over the weekend suggest West Ham’s insistence on taking Firpo on loan with an option scuppered Moyes’s hopes of landing the swashbuckling defender.