AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang rejects loan move to West Ham

West Ham have failed in a loan bid for French forward M'Baye Niang, who is set to leave AC Milan this summer.

Niang’s agent Stephane Courbis confirmed that he held talks with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce but did not think a move to Upton Park was the ‘right choice’ for the 19-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Montpellier.

The talks came after the teenager was told he was surplus to requirements by the Serie A side following the club’s failure to qualify for Europe.

In comments reported by TMW, Courbis is quoted as saying: "On Monday I met with West Ham, who were interested in the player.

“The Hammers would like him on loan, but I don't think it is the right choice, so I excluded it.

"We prefer a permanent deal and we seek a coach who strongly believes in Niang."

Courbis added he met AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani about three weeks ago, who informed him to find a new team for Niang.

“Milan, he told me, have many forwards in the group and, with not playing in Europe, there will be reduced places.

“For this reason, we were told to find another team. M’baye could leave on a permanent move."