West Ham were reportedly considering an offer for Ross Barkley in the summer but David Moyes dodged a bullet by not bringing him in.

The Hammers were linked with signing the 28-year-old earlier in the summer but the former England international would eventually agree on a contract termination at Stamford Bridge.

Barkley's move to OGC Nice was confirmed shortly after, as the former Everton man looks to reignite his career alongside Aaron Ramsey in France.

The attacking midfielder struggled to replicate his Everton form with Chelsea, making just 100 appearances in his four years at the club, in which he contributed a disappointing 12 goals and 11 assists.

Barkley failed to average above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored in any of his seasons at Chelsea, while a loan spell at Aston Villa was also unsuccessful, as he managed just three goals and one assist in 24 Premier League appearances.

During his time at Villa Park, he was criticised by the Athletic's Gregg Evans for his attitude and performance.

He said: “He doesn’t do enough for me now. I’ve seen enough of Ross Barkley now to realise that he’s becoming a bit of a liability for Villa.

“He’s not helping out enough as he should, really.”

Attacking midfield is one area in which Moyes definitely isn't short, as he has Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini and new signing Lucas Paqueta available as options there.

All of those who were at the Hammers last season would contribute more Premier League goals last season than Barkley ever did in his entire time at Chelsea, so it is difficult to see where he would have fit in at the London Stadium.

Barkley was reportedly on £100k per week at Stamford Bridge, so it would have been a very expensive option for the Hammers, especially if he failed to improve his form and was left on the bench.

Considering he was released from his contract, the fact that West Ham were reportedly willing to spend money on him suggests that the Hammers have definitely dodged a bullet in this case, as he could have been a real waste of money, both as a transfer fee and as a wage.