Any hopes West Ham United have of resurrecting a move for Alexis Claude-Maurice in January look doomed.
West Ham were linked with a move for Lorient forward Claude-Maurice throughout the summer.
According to Sky Sports West Ham made a £10million bid for the Frenchman early on in the transfer window.
Manuel Pellegrini reportedly faced stiff competition for Claude-Maurice’s signature from London rivals Arsenal.
West Ham-linked Alexis remained in France
There was talk that both clubs were jostling to be the highest bidder for the 21-year-old.
But in the end the Hammers and Gunners spent their money elsewhere.
Lorient president Loic Fery confirmed West Ham’s interest in an interview with Le Telegramme.
Forward nears £12million move
But it appears any hopes Pellegrini might have of partnering Claude-Maurice with fellow Frenchman Sebastien Haller in the future have been dealt a blow.
French outlets Nice-Matin and RMC are reporting that Claude-Maurice will undergo a medical with Nice this morning ahead of signing a long-term contract.
The reports cite West Ham’s interest and claims the player was adamant that the first transfer of his career kept him in France.
Hammers elected for Ajeti instead
A deal is said to have been concluded for around £12million mark.
That is not an astronomical fee for a highly-rated young player.
West Ham instead spent £8million on Albian Ajeti who made his first appearance for the club in Tuesday night’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Newport County.
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