Tim Steidten role highlighted as Mats Hummels makes West Ham United transfer decision

West Ham have missed out on the chance to sign defender Mats Hummels despite the free agent being "tempted" by Tim Steidten's proposal, according to The Boot Room.

Graeme Bailey reported for TBR Football on 4 September that several Premier League clubs tabled offers to Hummels following his departure from Borussia Dortmund this summer, but all were rejected.

The 35-year-old centre-back is instead on the verge of joining Serie A side Roma [Florian Plettenberg, 4 September], but had reportedly been "attracted" to the project presented to him by Hammers sporting director Tim Steidten.

West Ham miss out on Mats Hummels in free transfer hunt

Steidten's first summer transfer window as the Irons' sporting director has certainly been a busy one, with the biggest squad overhaul in many a year taking place at the London Stadium.

Julen Lopetegui has been given nine new first-team signings – seven on permanent deals – with no expense spared as over a dozen players headed the other way in a complete reshaping of the side.

However, the Hammers still aren't done, and remain interested in an experienced central defender to compliment the arrivals of former Wolves captain Max Kilman and OGC Nice loanee Jean-Clair Todibo.

John Egan and Joel Matip have emerged as prime targets alongside Hummels [ExWHUEmployee, 3 September], and with the veteran Germany stopper set to head elsewhere, the latter will likely be the player Steidten goes after next.

Central defence has been all change in East London with Angelo Ogbonna, Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma all departing, and bringing in Hummels for free would have been a massive statement of intent.

In other West Ham news, a new development has emerged surrounding a former Irons striker who has left the club this summer.

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