Aleix Garcia: West Ham failed with summer bid for new Bayer Leverkusen signing

New Bayer Leverkusen signing Aleix Garcia has confirmed he rejected a summer move to West Ham.

The German champions moved quickly to wrap up an €18million (£15m) deal for the midfielder after an impressive season with Girona, helping the club qualify for the Champions League.

Former Manchester City youngster Garcia was named in La Liga's team of the season, which included the likes of Jude Bellingham, Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski.

Garcia was expected to be of interest to a number of clubs this summer before Leverkusen secured his signature, and has confirmed the Hammers failed to trump Xabi Alonso to the transfer.

Asked if he received any offers beyond Leverkusen, Garcia told Diari de Girona: “One from West Ham. They were the only ones.

"If I had waited longer, maybe I could have received another one. I considered that Bayer was the most positive, because of the coach and the style of play. Playing the Champions League was a trigger."