David Moyes claims West Ham were ‘on the verge’ of signing Cole Palmer from Man City… suggesting the move fell through after deal for Lucas Paqueta went the other way

David Moyes has suggested West Ham could have signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City if the latter’s deal for Lucas Paqueta had not fallen through last summer.

Palmer completed a £42.5 million move to Chelsea, who face West Ham on Sunday, in September and the striker has been the star player for Mauricio Pochettino’s side with 20 goals in 29 appearances.

But Palmer could have played football in East London if things had gone differently.

City were interested in Paqueta at the same time Moyes was eyeing Palmer and the two clubs were close to reaching an agreement, before the Brazilian’s move collapsed due to the Football Association’s investigation into possible betting violations.

Asked if he was close to doing a deal for Palmer, Moyes replied: “Close.

David Moyes has suggested Lucas Paqueta’s failed move to Man City prevented the Hammers from signing Cole Palmer.

Palmer instead signed for Chelsea in a £42.5 million deal last summer where he flourished.

Paqueta’s move to City collapsed after FA investigation into alleged betting violations

“You can probably imagine the other part, maybe there was a possibility of someone leaving here that could have made this work.

“I watched him play regularly for the England U21s and thought he was a standout player. I always want to bring in British players.

“The biggest problem was that he also played the same position as Jarrod Bowen. But I had thought Jarrod would become a center forward.

“Lee Carsley, who was one of my former players, the England U21 manager was also giving me a lot of advice on their players, but especially on Cole. He talked so much about him and what he was. We knew he could play in several different positions and, let’s be honest, he’s been a revelation for Chelsea this year.

“I was in regular contact with his agent, we were on track but it just changed at the end and we couldn’t do it.”

Asked if it had been painful to see Palmer do so well for Chelsea this season, Moyes added: “No, as a manager you always have a lot of near misses with the players.” You can probably think of a few of the players we were talking about signing this summer that didn’t come to fruition and we could have gone in a different direction. It’s always the same as a manager, a lot of near misses.

“He was exceptional. It really was. He probably has a chance to become player of the year because he was so good.