Ex West Ham star says David Sullivan ignored tip to sign Champions League finalist for just £5m

A two-time former West Ham United star who now spends his days watching talent across Europe claims David Sullivan made a costly mistake by ignoring his advice.

The fact Tim Steidten was sacked after just 18 months at West Ham suggests the board feel money has not been well spent.

The Hammers committed £155m to transfers last summer – £32m of which doesn’t actually kick in until this summer when Jean-Clair Todibo’s deal becomes permanent.

While the clubs with the most money tend to be the most successful, it is always more how you spend rather than how much.

West Ham proved that last summer and have done during previous splurges under the likes of Manuel Pellegrini too.

West Ham ignored sound transfer advice says ex star

With Steidten gone, majority owner David Sullivan reprises his role as West Ham’s de facto director of football.

Under him is new head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay, Graham Potter’s transfer talent spotter.

After a disastrous season West Ham need a big summer rebuild.

A host of players are for sale to raise money to fund it.

But instead of adding three or four quality players to fine tune a young, evolving squad, the Hammers face the upheaval of yet another complete overhaul.

Sullivan has many influences on his decision-making when it comes to transfers.

From leading agent Will Salthouse to Barry Silkman, his sons Dave and Jack and now of course Macaulay and Potter.

West Ham need two strikers, at least two or three midfielders, a centre-back, a versatile full-back and possibly even a new goalkeeper this summer.

The goalkeeper position should have been sorted for years to come with the signing of Alphonse Areola from PSG.