Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken has insisted he never pushed for a move to West Ham United, despite reports to the contrary.
The Belgian midfielder has been linked with the Hammers consistently for the last few years without a move to the London Stadium ever happening.
He found himself linked heavily again this summer, with David Moyes keen to add a creative midfielder to his squad as a replacement for Nikola Vlasic.
They made several bids to Brugge but never offered enough to convince them to sell their star man, despite reports that Vanaken was pushing for the transfer to happen.
He reportedly saw West Ham as his last chance of playing Premier League football and thus wanted it to happen.
Ultimately it never did and West Ham signing Lucas Paqueta has now put an end to any rumours round the Belgian.
Thus, Vanaken has now signed a new deal at Brugge until 2027 and now insists he was never pushing for a transfer as has been suggested.
“I never had my head at West Ham,” Walfoot report him saying.
“I hope I can win awards for another five years. It would be nice to become a legend here. I am already an icon at the Club. I want to become an even bigger icon.
“But I never really had my mind on West Ham United. After those first two rejected offers, it was clear they weren’t going to use the big money.
“Was this the last chance? I thought so too two years ago. I also always said that I am happy at Club Brugge.”
