West Ham United weigh up improved Ola Aina bid after £6.9m package rejected – Dharmesh Sheth
West Ham have had a bid to make Torino defender a late deadline day permanent signing rejected and are considering a new offer, Dharmesh Sheth reports.
David Moyes is looking to strengthen his options on the right side of defence after Ben Johnson came off injured in the victory over Aston Villa (28 August).
Former Chelsea man Aina is available for the right price, with the Hammers bid not far of the Italians’ asking price after a package of €4million up front and a further €4million in add-ons was turned down.
Sky Sports reporter Sheth wrote on Twitter Thursday afternoon (1 September): “West Ham United have had a bid rejected for Torino right back/wing back Ola Aina. Offer was €4m + €4m in add-ons.
“West Ham deciding whether to go back in. The former Chelsea player has had loan spells at Hull City and Fulham in the past.”
His colleague from Sky Italy, Gianluca Di Marzio believes they are just €2million short, writing on his own Twitter account: “OlaAina: WestHam have sent a bid to TorinoFC_1906, €4m base + €4m add-ons. Torino asking 6+4.”
Final pieces
Moyes has already added to the centre of his defence, twice, and the left, so is now pressing to make it a full house in the final hours of the transfer window.
Had Johnson not been forced off against Villa it might have been a position he was content with, but injuries have been the bane of the manager’s plans for the season already.
Thilo Kehrer arriving to address the immediate surgery Nayef Aguerd required was one big hurdle to clear, which in turn helped through up the Craig Dawson exit situation, and now on the final day the club are scrambling to add a late target for the right side.
The Nigerian international was linked to a summer Hammers move back on 15 February [all Nigeria Soccer] but it has come down to the very end of the window for that to get moving.
He has recent experience in England after a season on loan at Fulham in the Premier League two years ago, and another with Hull in the Championship in 2017/18.
West Ham have done a strong job of fleshing out the depth of their squad in this window and this move would surely fall into that category if they can get it across the line before 11pm.