Dean Ashton has told talkSPORT that he laughed at reports West Ham United had targeted transfers for Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in the late stages of the market.
David Moyes turned his attention to Elland Road as the window wound down last month to bolster the Hammers ranks. West Ham are in a great position this season to challenge for a top-four Premier League finish. They will also contend the Europa League last 16 in March.
But no new stars moved to the London Stadium before Monday night’s deadline in the end. Even though Moyes has only had one recognised centre-forward in Michail Antonio for the past year, since selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax at a £25m loss from the £45m paid in 2019.
Moyes explored late transfers, but with no success
West Ham also explored strengthening their centre-half options following Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna sustaining long-term injuries. However, Zouma returning to action from a hamstring issue expected to sideline him for 12-weeks after seven-weeks eased their issue.
Moyes sought to improve his options in the final stages of the January sales, though, with the Irons fifth in the Premier League table and a point for the Champions League positions.
According to The Sun, West Ham made a £50m bid for the transfer of Leeds’ midfield star and Declan Rice’s England partner, Kalvin Phillips. 90min also reported West Ham offered Leeds £50m for Raphinha, who was open to the transfer, but the bid flat with the Whites.
Ashton laughs at West Ham interest in Leeds duo Phillips, Raphinha
West Ham stunned Ashton with their efforts to seal transfers for two key Leeds stars with Phillips and Raphinha. He laughed at the reports, and felt they pointed to a much greater issue with the Irons’ transfer strategy while leaving Moyes one injury away from disaster.
“I feel like they should have done some business,” Ashton said. “It feels to me, very much like with the Phillips and Raphinha thing, I laughed out loud when I saw those rumours.
“It feels to me as if West Ham, and it might be because of rumours, but it always feels like they are interested and they might offer this and it feels like it is never going to be accepted. But it looks like they are interested and they are going to be doing business.
“Well you have a great opportunity – a fantastic opportunity this season – to get top-four. This season, Manchester United have struggled, Tottenham and Arsenal we are not sure still, and they’ve got one real recognised striker?
“If he gets injured, that is it. I know he hasn’t got the goals, but if you look at his actual performances and what he is bringing to the side and how important he is out of possession, that would be it – top-four gone.”
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