PIERINI MOVE COLLAPSES
The 28-year-old centre back jetted in to London in order to complete his switch over the weekend, after an agreement was reached between the two clubs.
The Hammers have confirmed that the financial aspects of the deal were satisfactory, and planetfootball sources understand that the failure of the signing to be rubber-stamped was due to a problem revealed during the player's medical tests on Sunday.
Glenn Roeder will be bitterly disappointed with the setback, as he continues to scour the market for defensive reinforcements, particularly now Hayden Foxe will be out injured for up to a month.
"Press speculation about him signing was premature," managing director Paul Aldridge told the official West Ham website.
"Although the financial aspects were agreed with both the player and his club, there were a number of points that could not be resolved, and talks have now ended.
"It is a disappointment to ourselves and Alessandro that the deal will not be going ahead, but we wish him all the best for the future."
The collapse of the move will also be a major blow to cash-strapped Fiorentina, who need to sell in a bid to reduce their crippling debts.
Other Viola stars are now likely to be targeted, and it is possible that English clubs will try and take advantage of the current situation at Artemio Franchi.
