Report: West Ham were willing to pay Unai Nunez release clause

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West Ham United were reportedly ready to pay the release clause of Unai Nunez of Athletic Bilbao.

As reported by Spanish publication AS, the Hammers were ready to fork out the €30 million/£25 million it would have taken to sign the 23-year-old, but it was his desire to stay put.

Nunez’s playing time was limited at the start of the season, but in recent weeks he’s become key again for the Basque club, starting three of the last four La Liga matches.

Supposedly he had some concerns about the initial lack of games, but apparently he now feels more encouraged about his role.

The 6ft 1in centre-half has quite a few admirers across Europe, including German champions Bayern Munich.

Nunez, who made his debut for Spain in September 2019, has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.

TBR’s view – West Ham’s loss

It has to come as a disappointment for West Ham that Nunez wants to stay at Bilbao.

The Hammers have been leaking goals once again this season and arguably Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Fabian Balbuena need some competition.

Nunez would have offered good aerial prowess – he’s won an average of three duels per 90 in La Liga so far (WhoScored).

He’s also averaged 5.3 clearances per 90, which would suggest he is the type of defender to pull a team out of a sticky situation.