According to a report from French media outlet Foot Mercato, West Ham are set to miss out on Roma midfielder Steven Nzonzi, with the Frenchman closing in on a switch to Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.
The Hammers were linked with a move for the 31-year-old last week, with RMC Sport reporting that he was a target for David Moyes.
Nzonzi joined Roma from Sevilla for €30 million (£25 million) in the summer of 2018 (Goal).
And Foot Mercato now claim that the Hammers could miss out on the powerful central midfielder, with Rennes closing in on acquiring his signature.
Blessing in disguise?
Nzonzi is 31, and will surely have declined physically over the past year or so. Roma’s willingness to let him join Galatasaray on loan is evidence of this.
West Ham have made a bad habit over the past few years of signing players who are well past their best.
Pablo Zabaleta, Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez, Roberto and David Martin can all be included on that list.
It could also be argued that the jump up in intensity that the Premier League would undoubtedly be would be a lot to take on for Nzonzi, given his age.
The French World Cup winner has made 15 appearances for Gala this season, racking up no goals and just one assist (Who Scored).
He has averaged 1.1 tackles and 0.8 interceptions in those outings (Who Scored). West Ham could and should be demanding more from any defensive midfielder they sign this month.
So potentially missing out on Nzonzi to Rennes might not actually be the worst news for the Hammers.
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