CHELSEA star Fikayo Tomori snubbed a loan move to West Ham just TEN MINUTES before the deadline to fight for a spot under Frank Lampard.
The two clubs had agreed to a loan fee and the division of wages – with the deal on the brink of going through.
Tomori rejected a loan move to West Ham ten minutes before the deadlineCredit: Reuters
But Tomori, 22, decided at 10.50pm he would prefer to stay and fight for a spot at Stamford Bridge.
It was a major, late blow to West Ham, who also missed out on two other top defensive targets in James Tarkowski and Antonio Rudiger.
Tomori was a huge part of Lampard’s team at Derby in 2018-19.
And when the former Rams chief took over in West London, Tomori started off as first-choice defender.
But Tomori suddenly faded from Lampard’s plans – and has featured just once in the Premier League this season, in the 2-0 loss at home to Liverpool.
Tomori played 22 times for Chelsea in all competitions last season but played just ONCE after the turn of the year.
The one-cap England star was also on the radar of Everton this summer.
However, Carlo Ancelotti cooled his interest as the Toffees chief focused on his midfield and attacking ranks.
Meanwhile, Chelsea missed out on one of their top targets, Declan Rice, with the Hammers standing firm all summer.
Lampard had made it clear he wanted to sign the ex-Blues youngster to play in the heart of defence, rather than as a defensive midfielder.
Elsewhere, the Stamford Bridge side loaned out Ruben Loftus-Cheek to neighbours Fulham in a bid to help the England man recapture his top form.
Loftus-Cheek has struggled to find his feet since recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in May 2019 against New England Revolution.
Chelsea ace Ruben Loftus-Cheek joins Fulham on season-long loan transfer with Frank Lampard wanting him to get game time
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
