West Ham United backed out of talks with Fenerbahce for central defender Attila Szalai, with the London side unable to agree terms.
According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, West Ham United have backed out of talks for Attila Szalai after failing to agree terms set by the defender’s club, Fenerbahce. David Moyes could turn his attention towards other central defensive targets as the pursuit for the Hungarian might have ended.
David Moyes has sufficiently strengthened his squad for the new campaign, but there are a few more gaps to fill in the transfer window. The West Ham boss is keen on bringing a new defender to add to his backline but is nowhere near signing one.
Moyes has shuffled the pack at the back and ensured a new defender arrived early in the window. Nayef Aguerd was signed, although the centre-back has since suffered an ankle injury which will keep him out for a couple of months.
Additionally, Issa Diop’s sale to Fulham has somewhat left them short of options. Hence, Moyes is keen on a new centre-back and had Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai in his sights. The Hungarian defender has attracted plenty of interest from Premier League sides, but the Hammers looked serious about their pursuit.
However, Talks between the two clubs have broken down as per the report, which insists West Ham are not prepared to accept Fenerbahce’s demands. Szalai may have been open to joining the Hammers, considering their stature in the Premier League and presence in Europe.
As things stand, Moyes will likely move on from the Hungarian and switch his attention toward other targets. The Hammers have already seen a bid rejected for Everton’s Michael Keane, although Moyes is likely to continue his search.
West Ham have reportedly lodged a €12 million bid for Jakub Kiwior, with Italian side Spezia studying the offer. It does seem like a new central defender is imperative for Moyes, who suffered last season without veteran star Angelo Ogbonna.
Whoever might be the new star coming in before the transfer deadline, Szalai will certainly not be arriving. The Hungarian is expected to attract further interest, but the 24-year-old might stay put in Turkey if Fenerbahce stick with their high demands.
