West Ham United have suffered a setback in their search for a new left-back after Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović blocked Ryan Giles from leaving the Premier League club.
The Hammers were among the clubs interested in the 26-year-old during the closing stages of the transfer window, alongside Wolves and Burnley.
However, talkSPORT reports that Jakirović has now made clear he does not want Giles to leave Hull, despite Burnley believing they had reached a club-to-club agreement over a potential move.
West Ham dealt Ryan Giles transfer blow
Burnley had been pushing hardest for Giles and were understood to have agreed the framework of a loan with an option to buy.
But Jakirović intervened after making the defender an important part of his plans following Hull’s promotion to the Premier League.
Transfer reporter Alex Crook revealed that West Ham and Wolves had also shown interest, but says Giles will now remain at the MKM Stadium.
That creates another problem for Nuno Espírito Santo.
West Ham’s need at left-back increased significantly when Malick Diouf completed his £40million move to Brentford.
Ollie Scarles is currently the most obvious specialist option available to Nuno, while West Ham have been exploring several alternatives before the deadline.
Our recent analysis of West Ham’s rebuild after Diouf’s departure highlighted how important replacing the Senegal international would be.
Jakirovic makes strong Giles stance clear
Jakirović’s decision is understandable given Giles’ importance to Hull.
The left-back played a major role in their promotion campaign and has started both of their opening Premier League fixtures this season. Hull have beaten Manchester United and Coventry, with Giles already established in Jakirović’s side.
The Hull boss was particularly firm over the possibility of allowing a first-team player to join Burnley on loan, making it clear that he wanted to retain Giles rather than strengthen another club.
That stance appears to have closed the door on West Ham too.
With the transfer deadline approaching quickly, the Hammers must now either convince Hull to reconsider or turn to another left-back target.
West Ham’s interest was genuine, but Jakirović has made the biggest obstacle clear: he simply does not want to lose Giles.
