West Ham boss David Moyes has defended their attempts to sign Jesse Lingard.
Upon the expiration of the 29-year-old's contract at Manchester United, a return to east London seemed an obvious move for a player eager to work his way back into the England set-up ahead of the World Cup.
Lingard scored 9 goals in 16 games for the club during a loan spell two seasons ago and had remained a target, although ultimately it was Nottingham Forest who swooped in.
“We pushed the boat out to try and get him, but we didn't get him," he said.
“He chose Nottingham Forest, that's Jesse's choice and not ours.
“It's no failing on the club that we didn't get him."