West Ham saw an attempt to sign Aissa Mandi from Real Betis rejected during the summer transfer window, according to reports from Spain.
The Hammers placed an impetus on bolstering their defensive ranks ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, adding all of Ryan Fredericks, Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop to their outfield options.
However, according to claims from ABC Sevilla, the Hammers had initiated contact with Betis to negotiate a potential swoop for Mandi early on in the window.
The versatile defender enjoyed an impressive campaign under Quique Setien in La Liga last term and appeared to pique the interest of several potential suitors, including West Ham.
It’s claimed in the report that the Hammers saw a bid worth between €12 million and €15 million swiftly knocked back by Betis, with the Spanish club refusing to sell their key defender.
Mandi is believed to have a €30m buyout clause inserted in his current deal at the Benito Villamarin, but West Ham were evidently reluctant to cough up this sum as they proceeded to turn their attention to Toulouse star Diop.
