Sometimes it can be hard to follow all the transfer rumours that get floated around the media, especially when it involves a club the size of West Ham United.
Whether they have any substance to them can also be rather sceptical and many may look to scrutinise the validity of such rumours, however, if there is any truth to them, then they may have the power to leave a bitter taste in some mouths and make it a rather difficult pill for some to swallow.
And, one rumour from the Daily Star may fall exactly in that category as far as West Ham are concerned.
Back in March 2017, the Hammers were linked with a move for Gerard Deulofeu after he had been impressing with AC Milan during a loan spell.
The Everton winger had struggled to make an impact with Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park, and that led to reported interest from the Irons, although a move was always going to be complicated by the fact that Barcelona had the option to buy him back – something they decided to do.
His second stay at the Camp Nou was short-lived as he headed back to Watford six months later before making his switch to Vicarage Road permanent last summer for £11.7million.
West Ham are thought to have had a chance to sign Deulofeu for a fee around £15.5m from Everton and the Spaniard is clearly showing he would have been worth every penny if the Irons had splashed out on him.
The Spain international has been a huge success for Javi Gracia’s side this season, having netted nine goals and provided his team-mates with five assists in his 28 Premier League appearances so far.
An attacker who can play anywhere across the front three, the 25-year-old would have been a player that would have fit into the system that Slaven Bilic, David Moyes and now Manuel Pellegrini have all adopted at the London Stadium.
Although the Hammers may have addressed those concerns recently with the acquisitions of Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko, just imagine what Deulofeu may have been able to bring to the team.
The Spaniard may have been able to rectify their concerns up front by chipping in with some crucial goals, which could have ultimately got West Ham further up the Premier League table and have been fighting for European football prior to this season.
West Ham fans, do you regret not signing Deulofeu after witnessing his performances for Watford this season? Join in with the discussion below by sharing your thoughts with us.
