Noble rejects move from West Ham to Fulham

The midfielder was targeted by Martin Jol to replace Mousa Dembele but 25-year-old does not want to join west Londoners despite rejecting new Hammers contract

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Fulham have failed in a bid to sign Mark Noble from West Ham, Goal.com can reveal.

The west London club have tried to take advantage of the midfielder’s contract stalemate by making a move to capture him in the final days of the window.

Sources have told Goal.com that Noble has rejected a new deal from West Ham, who are now willing to listen to offers for a player who joined the club as a schoolboy.

Fulham enquired about the 25-year-old’s availability and prepared an offer but it is understood that Noble has made it clear he does not want to move to Craven Cottage.

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This is a blow for Fulham, who are trying to strengthen their central midfield after selling Mousa Dembele to Tottenham on Wednesday for around £15 million and allowing Danny Murphy to join Blackburn Rovers earlier this summer.

Despite spurning the advances of Fulham, West Ham do not expect Noble to sign a new deal and are ready to sell him if their valuation is met.

Noble, who was voted 2012 Hammer of the Year by supporters for his performances in the club’s promotion campaign last season, is a popular figure at Upton Park and has been a mainstay of the team since fully establishing himself in the 2007-08 season.

He has started West Ham’s opening two Premier League fixtures of the season although he did not feature in Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over Crewe Alexandra.