Krasnodar centre-forward Fedor Smolov has snubbed the chance to seal a deadline day move to West Ham, according to the Guardian.
The newspaper claims on its live transfer blog [Wednesday, 05:48pm] that instead the Hammers are still expected to sign Jordan Hugill from Preston in an £8million deal.
It is understood that the 25-year-old is scheduled to have a medical soon as he seals a last-gasp move to the London Stadium
Hugill was not in the Preston squad when they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Tuesday night after Alex Neil left him out, seemingly due to the widespread speculation about his future at Deepdale.
West Ham fans have been largely unhappy with co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan about the lack of transfers in January, but it appears that David Moyes will at least be welcoming a new striker before the 11pm cut-off on Wednesday night.
Good move for West Ham?
Smolov is a much more establish player than Hugill is but he would no doubt have cost more. The Russia international is most likely keen on the idea of staying in his home nation so he can be the poster boy of the World Cup there in the summer. His nation play Egypt, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia so have a good chance of making it far and potentially earning Smolov a better move. Hugill for £8million is a poor buy. This transfer window has been dire if you’re a West Ham fan.
This is Futbol rating 3/10
Likely to happen?
With Hugill due for a medical soon then the Hammers can be thoroughly expected to sign the Preston forward before the 11pm cut-off on deadline day. It smacks of desperation though because Hugill is no better than a Championship player who has a hit-and-miss goalscoring record in his career.
This is Futbol rating 9/10