FC Lorient president says he accepted an offer from West Ham for Terem Moffi

FC Lorient president Loic Fery disclosed in an interview with L’Equipe today that he accepted an offer from Premier League club West Ham United for Terem Moffi.

Also, Fery said he accepted an offer from Olympique Marseille for the striker, who is the fourth-highest scorer in Ligue 1 with 12 goals.

Fery recalled a hectic January transfer window at his club last month that saw numerous transfer activities.

Despite West Ham’s interest, Moffi joined Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEO-owned OGC Nice. He joined on an initial loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

The Nigerian international was Les Merlus’ talisman and spearheaded their campaign but joined their Ligue 1 rivals.

Moffi debuted for Les Aiglons this weekend against Marseille. The 23-year-old impressed in his 73 minutes on the pitch but could not cap his outing with a goal.

Furthermore, Fery spoke about the sale of Dango Ouattara to AFC Bournemouth. The transfer move left a sour taste in the mouth of fans of the Ligue 1 club.

Fans felt that Bill Foley, who owns Bournemouth and Lorient, was using their team as a satellite club. Fery assured them that it was not the case. He noted the club’s willingness to sell to West Ham, a relegation rival to Bournemouth.

Fery then took a dig at Nice’s persistence to sign Moffi. He accused them of lacking regard in their chase of the 23-year-old.

West Ham did not lick their wounds for too long over Moffi. They signed experienced Premier League striker Danny Ings. They paid £12 million to Aston Villa to sign the former England international.

Ings suffered an injury on his debut for West Ham against Everton. But he returned early to face Newcastle United last weekend.

West Ham coach David Moyes received another fitness boost today with Gianluca Scamacca returning to training.