West Ham United had identified Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken as a ‘top priority’ target in the final week of the recently concluded transfer window.
The Hammers even tabled a bid in excess of €15m for the attacking midfielder, but the Jupiler Pro League side turned down the offer because the proposal wasn’t close to Vanaken’s valuation.
David Moyes viewed the Belgium international as a ‘dream’ signing for West Ham, but he and his side suffered a blow after Club Brugge extended the playmaker’s contract last week. His new deal runs until 2025.
The 28-year-old is currently on international duty with Belgium and was speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
When discussing interest from the Premier League side, Vanaken revealed Club Brugge turned down an approach made by West Ham.
“It’s true that Club refused a bid, but that has always been communicated correctly,” he said, as quoted by Sporza.
“In the end, Club Brugge made an effort towards me. If I really wanted to go, I might have played it dirtier, but that’s not how I am. It also shows the respect that there is between me and the club.”
Vanaken was instrumental in helping Club Brugge win the title last season. The Belgian has continued last season’s fine form into this campaign and already has five goals and three assists in eight appearances.
