West Ham have missed out on the signing of Galatasaray winger Nordin Amrabat, who looks set for a return to Malaga.
The Moroccan international spent last season on loan with the La Liga side, and was impressive, scoring six goals and recording six assists in 31 league appearances.
The Hammers were said to be interested in a deal to sign the 27-year-old earlier this summer, who was made available for €3.5m.
However, Malaga have now activated a clause in his loan contract to buy him outright, and have already paid half of the required fee to sign the player on a permanent basis.
“We’ve made the first payment for Amrabat. The money should be arriving at the club today,” Malaga general director Vicente Casado stated.
“The player already knows because I spoke with him last night and he’s very happy. Amrabat is now a Malaga player. The fee is €3.5 million.”
West Ham will now have to look elsewhere if they want to sign another winger this summer, with reported target Adama Traore set to be allowed to leave Barcelona on loan, as well as having interest in bringing in Mohamed Salah on a temporary basis from Chelsea.
