David Moyes explains West Ham’s Cristian Eriksen transfer stance after approach

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Christian Eriksen is one that got away from West Ham and the other Premier League big boys according to David Moyes as he opened up on the stance the club took about signing the Denmark midfielder.

The 30-year-old made a sensational comeback with Premier League newcomers Brentford following his near-fatal cardiac arrest and collapse on the pitch at last summer’s European Championships.

Released by Inter Milan because in Italy he could not play with a cardioverter-defibrillator implant device, Eriksen was suddenly up for grabs on a free. And West Ham boss Moyes accepts that – with hindsight – the elite in this country probably missed a trick in not snapping up the ex-Tottenham star.

He revealed the Hammers were among a number of clubs approached by Eriksen’s representatives but there was understandable caution at the time over his health and fitness. That, and the fact Brentford boss Thomas Frank is a fellow Dane – and had the inside track on the situation – is why he ended up in west London, according to Moyes.

On the the eve of today’s derby trip to Brentford, the Irons chief said: “Yes, he was mentioned to us – and to a few clubs about coming back. Eriksen is a player a lot of people would look at and think, ‘my goodness’. But I think everybody was more unsure then. And to be honest there’s the huge Danish connection at Brentford, with the manager and some of their players.

“They maybe had more insight on him than the rest of us – on his health and when he was going to come back. I don’t think he played for a couple of months after he first signed for Brentford. A lot of people wondered how it was going to work out.”

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Not anymore, however, with Eriksen helping Brentford race clear of relegation trouble, with three wins in his first four appearances, including a goal in last weekend’s 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea. Ex-Manchester United boss Moyes added: “He’s an inspiration to so many – to keep going and not give up. But I don’t think we ever doubted his footballing ability. Everybody recognises he’s a top footballer.”

Brentford boss Franks has previously spoken about his hopes of persuading Eriksen, who has only signed a six-month deal, to stay with the Bees. Eriksen scored twice for his country during the international break and looks destined to play in the World Cup in Qatar.

Franks said recently: “I’m just very pleased that he’s playing for us. I think it’s no secret that I want him to continue next season. I know Christian is enjoying his football and really enjoying being back. I know I will have to answer these questions until the end of the season so let’s see what will happen. I think in any footballer’s decision to move clubs there’s a lot of aspects and the same will be for Christian. To be fair, I know Christian quite well and one thing he’s good at is just enjoying the moment.”

• Premier League
• West Ham FC
• Brentford FC

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