Premier League newcomers Aston Villa will reportedly release Scott Hogan – two years after West Ham made three bids.

West Ham United were absolutely determined to sign Scott Hogan in January 2017. And, at the time, their interest in the jet-heeled Brentford forward made perfect sense.

Hogan had plundered 14 goals in 26 games during the first half of the season and it seemed beyond doubt that he had the potential to make the step up to the Premier League.

According to Sky Sports, The Hammers made three bids in an attempt to bring Hogan to the London Stadium – though their third and final £12 million offer failed to tempt Brentford into a sale.

Though any West Ham fans who were disappointed to see Hogan slip through their grasp two-and-half years ago should be breathing a sigh of relief now.

Aston Villa won the race to sign the Republic of Ireland international after West Ham gave up but, since January 2017, he has scored just nine goals in 69 games in all competitions with a series of injuries taking their toll.

And Hogan’s dramatic fall from grace looks set to be confirmed sooner rather than later. The Mirror (19 June, page 49) reports that Aston Villa will let their goal-shy striker leave on a free with Bristol City keen to offer him a fresh start.

Now, West Ham fans will be keen to point out that the club has signed far too many striker flops during the reign of Davids Gold and Sullivan, from Marco Borriello to Emmanuel Emenike, Modibo Maiga to Andy Carroll.

Hogan would merely have been one more for the collection.

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