West Ham news: Darrent bent reacts as Fikayo Tomori rejects move

Darren Bent has claimed Fikayo Tomori’s deadline-day West Ham rejection is “not a good sign at all” for the club.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former England and Tottenham striker admitted he was surprised that the Chelsea defender did not want to move to east London given their exceptional recent form.

The Telegraph report that the 22-year-old rejected a move to the London Stadium at the last minute after David Moyes failed to provide any assurances over playing time.

After breaking into the Chelsea side last season, the defender has made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League last season.

Asked by Football Insider whether he was surprised he did not move to West Ham, Bent said: “Obviously he didn’t want to go there, he turned it down last minute.

“That’s not a good sign. When someone does that, that’s not a good sign at all. It’s not great.

“To be fair you look at the form West Ham have been in and they’ve been superb the past two games, seven goals none conceded. You were surprised he didn’t want to go there especially the form they’re in now.

“It’s unfortunate but what can you do. He needs to play football Tomori because I am a big fan of his and I think he’s got all the attributes to get into the England squad but if he’s not playing games, he’s got no chance.”

Tomori made his only England appearance as an 84th-minute substitute in a European qualifier against Kosovo last November.

He has played 26 times for Chelsea across all competitions but has enjoyed loan spells at Brighton & Hove Albion, Hull City and Derby County.

In other West Ham news, Kevin Phillips has revealed what he believes to be the real reason why Felipe Anderson left the club.