By Pranav Shahaney

2nd Feb, 2022 | 1:00pm

West Ham blocked Darren Randolph from Leeds United loan move

West Ham reportedly blocked goalkeeper Darren Randolph from joining Leeds United in the January transfer window.

According to The Athletic, the third-choice Hammers keeper,34, was told that he could not pursue a loan move to the Aston Villa or Elland Road.

David Moyes opted against letting the Republic of Ireland international go out until the end of the season, despite him yet to feature in a single Premier League or Europa League game.

Strange

There were virtually no links to Randolph throughout the month and Leeds were not even believed to be looking for a keeper.

Their priorities were a striker and an attacking midfielder – and they failed to land either of them.

For a team that’s in a relegation battle, not signing anyone in January could be a devastating blow.

Had Marcelo Bielsa or the club hierarchy pushed for a move for the Republic of Ireland international, one can understand the reasoning behind it.

While the 34-year-old is not at his peak, he’s still put in “brilliant” moments recently and could’ve been a good backup to Illan Meslier.

Kristoffer Klaesson has not enjoyed the best of start to life at Leeds and could’ve done with the guidance of a seasoned veteran.

It remains to be seen if the Whites return for him or another keeper in the summer transfer window.

The priority remains a central midfielder and it’s shameful that the club are yet to get one over the line.

In other Leeds United news, rivals Manchester United weighed up a late bid for £5m-rated ace Leeds wanted to sign before Jan 31