West Ham have had their second approach for Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson knocked back by Besiktas, the Club’s president has revealed.
Atiba has just twelve months remaining on his current contract and West Ham are hopeful of striking a cut-price deal for him this summer.
Slaven Bilic is said to be a keen admirer of the 33-year-old, who he signed and coached during his time at the Vodafone Arena in Istanbul.
Fikret Orman, as quoted by Turkish source Turkiye Gazetesi , said: “Bilic offered €3million for Atiba. We rejected this proposal and thank him.
Atiba has one more year on his contract with us. We want to extend his contract.
Hutchinson was a key part of Besiktas’ Super Lig Championship season, playing both holding midfielder and occasionally at right back in his 34 Super Lig appearances. Hutchinson had the best passing accuracy of any Super Lig player last season.
If West Ham are serious about signing Atiba, an improved bid appears to be all it would take as Orman’s motives appear to be entirely money motivated.
