West Ham's last minute bid to bring Ola Aina back to the English Premier League collapses

WEST Ham's bid to bring Super Eagles defender Ola Aina back to the English Premier League ahead of the closure of yesterday's transfer window failed after his Italian club Torino rejected their late bid.

In the hope of kick-starting their poor season so far, West Ham has made a £7m bid for fullback Aina but this offer was rejected by the Serie A side. To make the point that the player was not for sale, Torino, featured Aina in yesterday's league game away to Atalanta, which they lost 1-3.

David Moyes, the West Ham manager, who has been a really busy man in the transfer market already this summer, had been eager to take Aina, 25, to East London. He wanted to strengthen his defence as the Hammers have conceded six goals in just five games this season and are sitting 14th in the 20-team table.

During this transfer window,  West Ham signed eight new players, including two centrebacks, a defensive midfielder, a left winger, a centre-forward, a playmaker, a left wing-back and a goalkeeper. However, Mr Moyes was hoping to make Aina his ninth signing of the transfer window.

Aina, who has 17 Nigerian caps, is strong, quick along the ground and is also a very good defender. Torino were believed to be demanding around €10m (£8.5m) for his services while the Hammers were only prepared to part with £7m, leading to any potential deal collapsing despite the player being keen on a return to London.