West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has dismissed reports claiming that Dan-Axel Zagadou was close to joining the club.
Reliable Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida posted on Twitter to say that the east London outfit were in ‘direct talks’ with the Frenchman, who saw his contract with Borussia Dortmund expire at the end of last season.
The Hammers had been linked with a move for the 23-year-old during the summer, while AS Roma and Inter Milan were also credited with an interest.
However, having asked one of his ‘main transfer sources’ on the ‘truth’ behind the speculation, Ex took to The West Ham Way Patreon to shut down some reports somewhat, saying: “The response we got was ‘not that I am aware of no’. This is the same source that told us that the club do not wish to explore free transfer signings due to the period of time they take to get match fit.
“Looking at Zagadou’s injury record it would also suggest he may take longer then others to get up to scratch. The injury record would also be a concern to the club.
“Whilst we understand that Zagadou has been brought to our attention via his agent and his obvious availability, talks that we are in the lead and a four-year deal has been agreed seem wide of the mark. Another source has also said they are unaware of the transfer too.”
Reinforcements still needed
West Ham made the signing of a centre-back a priority this summer and acted quickly to bring in Nayef Aguerd for £30m.
When the Moroccan suffered an injury setback, the club duly brought in Thilo Kehrer. However, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Craig Dawson, the London Stadium outfit sought to land a deal for Jan Bednarek before he joined Aston Villa.
That would suggest that reinforcements may still be needed at centre-back for David Moyes, but it appears that Zagadou – who was described as ‘unbelievable’ by ex-Dortmund team-mate Julian Brandt – won’t be the man to whom they turn.
