Former target Claude-Maurice spotted watching Nice – is it a big loss?

Failed transfer target Alexis Claude-Maurice seems to be on the verge of sealing a move to Nice, after being spotted wearing a club scarf and watching their game against Marseille on Wednesday.

West Ham made a £10million bid for the 21-year-old in the summer, according to Sky Sports, but saw their approach rejected by Lorient and decided against pursuing their interest further.

Claude-Maurice netted 14 goals in Ligue 2 last season but looks to be moving to Ligue 1 with Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg after Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover.

Twitter: Kasper Dolberg en tribunes pour Nice-OM. https://t.co/DMyL78gDLB (@johanncrochet)

Nice have secured Claude-Maurice’s services for £12million, just £2million more than West Ham had rejected, but there’s a reason why the Hammers haven’t really missed a trick at all.

READ WEST HAM’S VERDICT

Although it’s always annoying missing out on transfer targets, West Ham won’t regret missing out on this one.

In what was a good summer for the Irons, it was mainly commended for the club’s attacking signings.

Sebastien Haller arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as Villareal’s Pablo Fornals, so it’s unlikely Claude-Maurice would’ve fitted into the squad anyway.

He certainly looks like an exciting talent, but the current squad at Manuel Pellegrini’s disposal is exciting enough.