Report: West Ham were serious about Gagliardini, but Conte blocked move

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West Ham United were reportedly very serious about landing Roberto Gagliardini in January, but were denied the Italian with Inter Milan refusing to sell.

According to Calciomercato, the Hammers were keen to land the 25-year-old but Antonio Conte was opposed to losing the star mid-season, with the Nerazzurri in the midst of a title fight with Juventus.

Gagliardini has made 15 appearances so far this season, and has missed the last five games through injury.

When fit though, the six-cap international has not been a regular in the starting XI.

West Ham eventually moved for another defensive midfielder in Tomas Soucek, who has joined on loan with a reported option-to-buy for £13 million (BBC Sport).

Sempre Inter had reported in January that the Italian giants were prepared to sell Gagliardini for around €20 million/£17 million.

TBR’s view – Gagliardini miss a blow for West Ham

Gagliardini could have been a solid addition for the relegation-threatened Irons.

West Ham are counting on Declan Rice and Mark Noble to play most of their games, with Carlos Sanchez simply not good enough in terms of cover, and Jack Wilshere still injured.

Steady yet steely, Gagliardini would arguably have boosted the club’s survival hopes,

The failure will certainly have West Ham fans hoping Soucek proves his worth, during what is a very worrying time for the club with their Premier League status at risk.