West Ham United fans were disappointed the club did not push through a move for Bournemouth striker Josh King on deadline day.
International boss has a word of warning for West Ham over King
The Hammers had a £13million bid for King rejected last week (Sky Sports).
David Moyes was keen to bolster his forward line and versatile King seemed an ideal fit.
The player himself was desperate for a move and his agent is believed to have even unofficially agreed personal terms with West Ham in advance, much to the anger of Bournemouth (talkSPORT).
Is this the reason West Ham did not push to sign Cherry?
The Cherries wanted closer to £17/18 million from West Ham, though, and the move failed to materialise.
But it appears there is a very good reason for that, if new speculation is anything to go by.
According to the likes of Football Insider West Ham have already lined up a cut-price deal for King in January.
The Norwegian is available on a free transfer next summer. And Football Insider claims West Ham have got a move lined up in just over two months.
King can start talking to potential suitors about signing a pre-contract from January.
West Ham line up cut-price move in January
So it would be in Bournemouth’s interests to take what they can get for him before he does that.
Football Insider claims West Ham have laid the groundwork to sign King in January.
“By that point, his asking price will have significantly tumbled – likely below £10m as he will have entered the final six months of his contract,” Football Insider said.
“West Ham believe King is also keen to sign.”
Versatile King’s impressive record
King has scored 48 goals in 161 Premier League appearances.
It is an impressive record for a player who rarely plays as an out-and-out striker.
His ability to play as a wide forward and through the middle would make him ideal for the way West Ham set up.
Particularly given Michail Antonio’s injury history.