Sao Paulo respond to West Ham United transfer approach for midfielder Pablo Maia

Sao Paulo have reportedly rejected the formal approach from West Ham to sign their midfielder Pablo Maia in the January transfer window.

According to Brazilian media outlet Lance [15 December], after sealing the Luizao deal, the Hammers made a loan-to-buy proposal for Maia, 20.

However, that has been turned down by the Brazilian club with the reason not being cited in the report.

Move on?

Maia may be a talented young midfielder but he's not going to be an immediate upgrade on the first team at West Ham.

Thus, if the Brazilian side are playing hard ball, it's best to move on and look at other options that are more established.

It's pretty evident that the Hammers need a new midfielder once Tomas Soucek leaves and that could even happen as early as January.

It has been reported that the 20-year-old prefers moving to the London Stadium and would want to reunite with Luizao there.

This then leaves the ball in his court and if he does want the move so badly then he must go on and have the conversations with his club.

In the meantime, West Ham can look at other alternatives as there will be plenty of players in Europe willing to move to east London and join up with David Moyes.