PETERBOROUGH United director of football Barry Fry has voiced his frustration at missing out on the loan signature of Josh Cullen.

The Posh chief had been poised to snatch Cullen for the second half of the season from West Ham after he had failed to get regular football under Phil Parkinson during his first few months at the Macron.

The Hammers were keen for both Cullen and his Irons academy graduate Reece Burke to play at a higher level, if possible, and spoke to Wanderers about extending the deal last week.

That coincided with both players returning successfully to the line-up against Sheffield United and Hull City. But while Parkinson has indicated he would like to keep Cullen, Burke and fellow loanees Antonee Robinson and Adam Armstrong, sources at the club confirmed no deal had been finalised yesterday.

Fry admitted defeat, however, complaining: “I thought I had the Cullen deal sewn up. West Ham’s owners had been very helpful, but Bolton have suddenly started picking him and he is now going to stay there.

“It’s very frustrating as he was a top player for Bradford last season. He was our number one target for midfield, but we will have to look elsewhere now.”