According to Marca, Celta Vigo midfielder Nemanja Radoja was desperate to join West Ham United this summer, but the Hammers ultimately decided against the deal.

What's the story?

Carlos Sanchez completed West Ham's summer transfer business, with the former Aston Villa ace arriving to provide midfield competition.

Declan Rice and Mark Noble started as the two holding midfielders against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, but the former was hooked at the interval.

The lack of midfield protection meant that it was difficult for Jack Wilshere to press forward, and Pedro Obiang was left on the bench despite the qualities he can provide.

According to Marca, West Ham actually had the perfect opportunity to sign Radoja from Celta before the transfer window closed last week, but the Hammers decided against a deal for the talented 25-year-old.

It remains to be seen whether Sanchez impresses this season, but Pellegrini should have passed up a move for the Colombian to bring Radoja to the London Stadium.

Why would Radoja have been a good signing?

The holding midfielder has become a key part of the Celta team since joining the Spanish outfit from Serbian club FK Vojvodina in 2014.

Radoja has made almost 150 appearances during his time in Spanish football, and is also a two-time Serbia international.

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Last term, he made 26 La Liga appearances for Celta - once again demonstrating his impressive skills on the European stage.

The fact that Radoja's contract will expire next summer means that he would have been available for a cut-price deal ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, and West Ham really should have boosted their midfield with his signature.

Indeed, standing at 6ft 1in and boasting the ability to get around the park, he would have been an ideal addition to Pellegrini's team, and the capital outfit might well regret missing out.