West Ham United have rejected a surprise Deadline Day approach from Torino for Ollie Scarles, with the Hammers making it clear the academy graduate is not for sale.
Italian journalist Giacomo Morandin reports that Torino tried to sign Scarles overnight, but West Ham immediately closed the door on a transfer.
Morandin says the Hammers are “banking big” on the 20-year-old, who has become an increasingly important member of Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad.
West Ham reject Torino move for Scarles
Selling Scarles was always unlikely given West Ham’s current problems at left-back.
Malick Diouf’s £40million move to Brentford left the academy graduate as Nuno’s only natural senior option in the position.
West Ham have subsequently tried to recruit competition, but Hull City blocked their move for Ryan Giles while Melvin Bard has chosen Leeds.
The Hammers are also working on a deal for Nottingham Forest defender Morato, who can cover both centre-back and left-back.
Scarles has already started Championship matches against Burnley and Charlton this season and appears set for a significantly bigger role following relegation.
Torino tested West Ham’s resolve overnight.
The response appears to have been emphatic: Scarles is staying in east London.
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