West Ham United reportedly beat off competition to land Patrice Evra.
According to the latest edition of France Football, West Ham United beat three Turkish clubs and Real Betis in the race to sign defender Patrice Evra on a free transfer earlier this month.
The Hammers ended the January transfer window with two new faces, as midfielder Joao Mario and striker Jordan Hugill arrived from Inter Milan and Preston North End respectively.
However, manager David Moyes wasn’t quite content, and earlier this month he struck another deal, reuniting with his former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra on a free transfer.
Evra, 36, had been a free agent since November having been realised by Marseille, and has returned to the Premier League until the end of the season having reunited with Moyes.
Evra’s arrival was hardly met with excitement by West Ham fans, but it now seems that Moyes beat competition from three clubs to secure his signature this month.
The latest edition of France Football reports that Evra was also wanted by Turkish trio Antalyaspor, Bursaspor and Galatasaray, as well as Spanish side Real Betis and teams in China, but West Ham won the race.
Having been a Premier League hero with Manchester United, the chance to return to England may have swung the battle in West Ham’s favour, whilst the chance to work with Moyes again may also have been a factor.
Given his age, Evra is unlikely to land an extended stay at the London Stadium, but the Hammers seemingly had to beat off a number of clubs to seal the deal for the free agent.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
