West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has revealed that the club attempted and failed to sign three Premier League forwards on transfer deadline day.
The Hammers managed to wrap up a permanent deal for Andy Carroll earlier in the summer, but, despite their best efforts, they were unable to complete moves for their other striking targets - Demba Ba, Romelu Lukaku and Nicklas Bendtner.
"On the final day of the window, we miss out on Chelsea strike duo Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku, plus Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner," Brady told The Sun.
"At 8.55pm I am told Lukaku wants to rejoin West Bromwich Albion and, no matter what we do, his decision is final. Then, with 10 minutes to deadline, it's revealed he is joining Everton.
"Anyway, David Sullivan and Sam Allardyce did their business early - making Andy Carroll our record signing and acquiring several other excellent players."
Lukaku joined the Toffees on a season-long loan, while Ba and Bendtner remained at their respective clubs.
Robert Summerscales
