West Ham United eye double Sao Paulo deal in January as Luizao move close
West Ham are working on double deals with Sao Paulo in the January transfer window, according to 90min.
The Hammers have already agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Brazilian club for Luizao who arrived in England on Monday (12 December) ahead of a planned medical.
The London outfit are also looking to sign Pablo Maia and “exploratory talks” have been held with Sau Paolo over a deal for the 20-year-old.
West Ham ideally want to sign Maia on loan with a view to a permanent switch, but the Brazilian club are willing to do a permanent deal for the defensive midfielder.
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The Hammers could face strong competition for Maia. Fulham have had a bid rejected, while Tottenham Hotspur are keen to secure the signature of the 20-year-old youngster.
A host of clubs including Benfica, Sporting, Porto, Fulham, Wolves, Juventus and the Red Bull group wanted to sign Luizao, but the Hammers did a brilliant job in securing a deal for him.
The club should also look to bring Maia, as the club need more depth in midfield areas.
In the case of Luizao, there are suggestions that David Moyes wants to integrate him into the first team immediately.
The Hammers spent over £150m in the summer transfer window but they have struggled in the league this season.
Despite adding several new faces, and especially bolstering the defence, Moyes still needs more new faces at the back.
Kurt Zouma have picked up an injury and it’s not clear how long he will be out. The likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson are expected to leave next summer, and planning must be done to replenish those voids.