Everton hijack West Ham to secure Monaco striker Lacina Traoré on loan for rest of season [Paul Smith]

Everton have just ‘Willian’d’ West Ham, so to speak, according to freelance journalist Paul Smith.

Smith claims that the Ivorian striker, who’s just signed for Monaco from Anzhi, has agreed to a loan move to Everton for the rest of the season, despite having undergone a medical at West Ham, a la Willian with Spurs and Chelsea last summer.

Smith claims the Hammers are up in arms at Everton’s 11th hour hijacking of the move, as the London club were sure they had tactic rights to Traore after inviting him for a medical.

Fair is foul and foul is fair in football, though; it may not be ethical but Everton win out in the cutthroat world of Premier League football.

Smith’s exclusive tweets on Traore’s loan move to Everton can be seen below.

West Ham erupt with fury after Lacina Traore undergoes medical and agrees to join the Hammers only to walk out and sign for Everton instead — Paul Smith (@Smudge1962) January 17, 2014