TBR View: West Ham missed out on a gem by not signing John Fleck

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West Ham lost out to Sheffield United last night as the Blades, driven on by John Fleck, won 1-0 at Bramall Lane.

Late VAR drama helped the Blades over the line in the end. Robert Snodgrass seeing his equaliser ruled out thanks to a VAR referred handball decision on Declan Rice.

It was a bitter disappointment for Hammers manager David Moyes. After winning his opening two games, he saw his team come away from Bramall Lane with nothing.

Furthermore, in another blow for Hammers fans, they got to witness a performance from John Fleck that demonstrated exactly what they missed out on.

West Ham were linked with a £4m move for Fleck a couple of years back. However, Sheffield United rejected the move and Fleck has since gone on to flourish at Bramall Lane.

Integral

Fleck has become the key cog in the Sheffield United midfield this season and arguably the Blades’ most consistent player.

He was in fine form again last night. Fleck laid on the goal for Oli McBurnie before being awarded the man of the match award by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

Fleck’s link-up play down the left side of the field with Enda Stevens and Jack O’Connell is crucial to how United play.

West Ham, on the other hand, saw Declan Rice and Mark Noble deliver a slow-paced performance in the middle of the park.

Quadruple that £4m now

Sadly for the Hammers, if they did now want Fleck, the price will have rocketed.

The Blades no longer have a need to sell their best players. Indeed, such has been Fleck’s performances for the Blades, any buying club would need to shell out a huge fee to land him.

Fleck being fit is key for Sheffield United. He’s already scored four goals. On top of that, he’s contributed two assists along the way too.

It’s safe to say, then, that West Ham are left ruing their decision not to push through a deal for Fleck in 2018.