£17m snub means West Ham missed out on Italy’s next ‘exceptional’ striker

FC Nurnberg rejected a permanent transfer bid of £17 million from West Ham United for striker Mohamed Ali Zoma over the summer, according to BILD. The 22-year-old forward was reportedly disappointed by the failed move, but manager Miroslav Klose confirmed that Zoma has moved past the frustration and maintained an impressive training and playing standard.

Zoma has scored six goals in six 2.Bundesliga matches this season, bringing his club total to 20 goals and five assists in 36 games. His strong performances earned him a call-up to the senior Italy national team squad under returning manager Roberto Mancini.