Manuel Pellegrini has revealed he turned down the change to bring former Manchester City man Yaya Toure to West Ham as a free agent this summer.

The former Ivory Coast international, who made 133 appearances under the West Ham boss during his time in Manchester, left the Premier League champions at the end of the season.

On Tuesday, his Russian agent, Dimitry Seluk, revealed that the 35-year-old had passed a medical in London, but that the club was not West Ham because: “Yaya is a champion. The last place is not for him.”

In response to Seluk’s comments, Pellegrini said: “The words of the agent of Yaya were unfortunate.

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“Because I spoke with Yaya, I know how I appreciate him as a person, as a player. I think he is a very good player.”

He continued: “In the moment that we were doing our squad list, that position was covered by other players. We need money to bring in other positions, so I explained to Yaya clearly why he cannot come here but I hope he will find a good and big club because he is a very good player.”

Reports, and Seluk, have linked the three-time Premier League winner with a move to Greek side Olympiacos. However, Pellegrini also revealed that his preference is to stay in English football.

“I spoke with Yaya. He wanted to stay in England,” Pellegrini continued.

“When I was at Manchester City, he received an offer away from China, but he always told me he wants to stay here in England.

“He continues to try to be here. I suppose West Ham was one option. For me as a manager also. But unfortunately that position was covered by other players.”