West Ham have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Bologna forward Simone Verdi, as the Serie A club have put out a statement.
According to Sporting Director Riccardo Bigon: “Simone doesn’t want to move in January and the club also don’t want to lose him.
“We are not considering the possibility of giving him away at the moment and we want to finish the league with the same squad.”
The Hammers have scouted the Italian all year long since they lost Dimitri Payet in January, and were planning on making a move next month.
Verdi, 25, has been in great form this term, scoring 5 goals and 4 assists in 17 league games thus far.
West Ham have struggled in attack since the French international departed, and the Italian would have proven to be a great addition given his qualities.
Inter Milan and Napoli are also keen on Verdi, highlighting how splendid he is.
Despite being an attacking midfielder primarily, the Italy international has largely played on the right wing this term, while also featuring once as a centre forward.
Verdi has a keen eye for goals and creating them, with his pin-point passes and crosses big features of his technical abilities.
