Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez, who is on loan at Portuguese side Benfica, has confirmed that West Ham had made an offer for his services.
The Hammers had a loan bid accepted by the La Liga side earlier in the summer, but it fell through late on after Benfica made their interest known.
It was believed that Jimenez was set to undergo a medical with the club ahead of his season-long loan move, but he deliberately overslept in order to miss the appointments, having caught wind of interest elsewhere. Later that week he signed for Benfica.
Speaking to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, quoted by Sport Witness, Jimenez confirmed that the Hammers made an offer, but he ultimately turned it down because the club could not offer what he wanted.
“There was also an offer from West Ham and for several days I had to think about the two options and in the end chose Benfica because I felt it was the club that could give me what I needed.
It’s the best club in Portugal and they can help me a lot to continue to improve and grow as a footballer,”
Jimenez was looked at as cover for the then injured Enner Valencia, but fans were not keen on bringing in a striker who only netted once in 28 appearances last term. He has one goal in 13 this season for Benfica.
Good miss by the club there.
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