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Allardyce reveals Lukaku snub this summer

19 September 2013 - 18:08

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has revealed that he tried to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku all summer but Everton managed to get him on loan on transfer deadline day.

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The Hammers have struggled in the Premier League so far with club record signing Andy Caroll still sidelined with injury. As they prepare for a weekend fixture against the Toffees, Allardyce admitted that he failed to sign the current Everton striker on loan.<br />

"I chased him all summer to be honest," said Allardyce. "But when it became the final day of the deadline we missed out and Everton managed to secure his position.<br />

"We were more or less told he was going back to West Brom. We tried, but didn't manage to clinch it."<br />

Allardyce however, is optimistic about Mladen Petric regaining his fitness in time to face Cardiff next week in the Carling Cup fixture after arriving at Upton Park for free.<br />

"Mladen Petric is training every day and trying to overcome the every day fatigue. He is going through a pre-season and that leaves you tired," he said.<br />

"We're then waiting to find his recovery is quicker and he's into the football as well as the physical side. He's enjoying being back with a group of players he can mingle with rather than being stuck in a park or gym.<br />

"We're hoping he can make an appearance in or around for the Cardiff game [on Tuesday night]."

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