West Ham United were heavily linked with signing Southampton defender Jan Bednarek on deadline day but were eventually beaten to the Poland international by Aston Villa.

However, it may have been a blessing in disguise for David Moyes, as not only did it pave the way for Craig Dawson to remain at the London Stadium, but the 26-year-old wouldn't have been an upgrade on any of West Ham's current options.

Bednarek, who earns £20k per week at Southampton, was deemed surplus to requirements by Ralph Hasenhuttl after summer signings of Duje Caleta-Car and Armel Bella-Kotchap this summer, and it seemed as if West Ham would take advantage, with reports suggesting that he would join on loan.

But it was Steven Gerrard's side who would welcome Bednarek on deadline day, with the defender's comments upon signing suggesting that his attitude may have been an issue for Moyes.

He said: "I'm happy and excited. I'm looking forward to the new adventure. It's a great opportunity for me and another great step. That's a really important one for me, to move to a bigger club and improve as a player."

These will undoubtedly anger Southampton fans, which is a baffling thing to do considering he is only on loan at Villa.

Last season saw Bednarek average a 6.81 rating from WhoScored for his performances, while he was a prominent part of a Southampton defence that shipped 67 goals in the top flight.

West Ham primarily lined up with Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson in the top flight and shipped just 51, so it is difficult to see how he would have ousted either in Moyes' first team.

New signings Nayef Aguerd also produced much improved performances in Ligue 1, averaging a 6.88 rating from WhoScored, while Thilo Kehrer has also been added to the squad, so it is difficult to see where Bednarek would have fit in at the London Stadium.

Therefore, Moyes may well be glad that Aston Villa won the race for the Poland international, as he could have been a questionable addition to the squad, especially when you consider his disruptive comments upon leaving Southampton.