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West Ham were today criticised by Scottish Premier League side Hamilton, who claim the Hammers pulled out of a deal to sign Stephen Hendrie despite agreeing a £2million fee and terms with the left‑back.
Hamilton vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald claims the transfer was close to being done last month with Crystal Palace before Neil Warnock was sacked.
West Ham then made a move for the Scotland Under-21 international and were on the verge of signing Hendrie before pulling out.
MacDonald told BBC Scotland: “We were offered a fee for Stephen by Palace when the previous manager was there, which we more or less accepted. While we were in the midst of discussing it West Ham came in and wanted to sign Stephen.
“We then had meaningful discussions and went to London for talks and it was then followed up by an offer that we agreed by email.
“At the same time the player agreed terms through his agent and we returned to Scotland and waited for the formal offer to appear.
“West Ham then said they would come up to do it in person on January 1. They then said they couldn’t make it and would be up on January 4. And after that we said enough is enough. That deal was dead then.
“We have had two other enquiries and I have told the other two clubs that we have no commitment to West Ham and are willing to listen to offers for Stephen, as we are with all the boys.
“I would love to say I’m waiting patiently for West Ham’s money but I couldn’t care less if I never hear from them again.”
