Strasbourg ‘greed’ behind West Ham’s Simakan failure, claims report

West Ham eclipsed AC Milan’s offer for defender Mohamed Simakan but Strasbourg refused to play ball, claims a report in France.
Simakan, 20, was heavily linked with a move to the San Siro and appeared set for a switch to Italy. However, discussions failed to cement a transfer and the talented Frenchman remained at the Ligue 1 outfit.
L’Equipe suggested Milan tabled a €17m bid, which the Hammers surpassed but a change of heart scuppered any deal. France Football have now lifted the lid on the sums involved and why he stayed at Stade de la Meinau.
It is said that the Premier League outfit first offered €15m plus €5m in bonus payments. They then returned with €17m plus €3m, beating Milan’s offer – but it was still not enough. As per the report in France Football, Strasbourg were being ‘greedy’ over the fee.
Simakan has played every minute of Les Coureurs’ seven Ligue 1 games this term. However, he has been part of a rearguard conceding 16 goals to date. They sit in the bottom three with just three points to their name. A continuation of that form will make Simakan vulnerable in January.
It is inevitable that the Marseille-born starlet will be on his way sooner rather than later. West Ham could return with another offer in the new year but negotiations would be tough.
A €10m gap will be tough to bridge but the player’s ambitions may help, with reports he is keen to move.
No nonsense Moyes outlines Benrahma hopes
One player that arrived before the window closed was Said Benrahma and Moyes is excited by his quality. An initial loan from Brentford could become permanent for around £20m if things go well.
The Scottish tactician has been accused of setting up his teams too defensively over the years. He hopes that his new acquisition can help shake off that label if he can reproduce his recent form.
“What I’m looking for is, he scored 17 goals last season, the season before 14 goals and something like 10 assists,” he said. “So you’re asking me what I want him to bring to the club? I want him to bring these goals and these assists to the club.”
The East End outfit have won two, lost two and drawn one of their first five top-flight games. They sit ninth in the table and fans would be happy with that in May to end any danger of relegation.
READ MORE: Moyes reveals tough Spurs teamtalk