According to French outfit L’Equipe, West Ham and Everton made solid plans to lure Celtic star Moussa Dembele away from Parkhead during the summer transfer window.
The former PSG starlet has been in explosive form in front of goal since switching Fulham for the Hoops last summer, netting 21 league goals thus far, and his maiden campaign performances saw him attract suitors from the Premier League.
As per the reports, Brendan Rodgers fought off concrete approaches from the Toffees, Hammers and Swansea in August.
The east Londoners eventually landed former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, the Merseysiders settled for ex-Malaga man Sandro Ramirez, while the Swans brought Chelsea youngster Tammy Abraham on a season-long loan.
Of the trio the clubs settled for as Dembele’s plan B, the Spaniard has been most underwhelming.
Everton’s inability to find the perfect Romelu Lukaku replacement has seen them start their campaign poorly, while West Ham and Swansea are also battling relegation barely midway through the campaign.
It remains to be seen which of them will return for Dembele’s signature in subsequent transfer windows, but it’s safe to say they won’t find it easy convincing Celtic to part ways with their prized possession for cheap.
