Wednesday 3 February 2016 09:12, UK
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has confirmed he would have signed QPR striker Charlie Austin for the £4m price tag Southampton paid for him.
Sullivan was criticised by the player for revealing he had failed a medical when he looked set to join Hull, leaving the Hammers chief to baulk at the £12m it would have cost to take Austin to Upton Park last August.
But he has now moved to clarify his comments, insisting Southampton have done well to secure his services for a third of that figure.
"Our next league game is away at Southampton and I just want to clarify my views on the Charlie Austin situation," Sullivan said in his programme notes ahead of West Ham's 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
"Contrary to reports, he is a player I have always greatly admired and his climb through the divisions is inspiring.
"I once said at £12m he was a gamble, with his injury record. However, if his financial demands are reasonable, Southampton have got fantastic value at £4m.
"Had I known he was available at that price, I would have taken the gamble myself - and I am sure half the Premier League clubs would have as well."
