How West Ham could leave the rest of the Championship shook if they sign Andreas Schjelderup

West Ham United could make the statement signing of the summer in the Championship with Andreas Schjelderup.

The Hammers are preparing for life in the second tier, as Nuno Espirito Santo knows the only goal is promotion back to the Premier League.

There has yet to be one standout signing made by any of the three relegated sides this summer, though it feels the Irons are getting close.

Famalicao's Gustavo Sa is set for a medical ahead of a reported £17million move to the London Stadium.

But West Ham may not be done shopping in Portugal, with Benfica's wonderkid someone they already know all about.

That is Schjelderup, of course, as Nuno could demand the club to go back in for the winger, especially after his recent World Cup antics.

What Andreas Schjelderup just did isn't normal for his age

According to Sky Sports' international reporter Gianluca Di Marzio in January, West Ham were in talks to sign Schjelderup from Benfica, ahead of a possible move to the London Stadium.

Nuno stepped in for the transfer at the time, as the Hammers battled with Roma and Napoli to get a deal over the line.

It wasn't shared whether that would have been a permanent or loan transfer, but it was reported that the 22-year-old was unhappy with his game time up until the winter window, at least.

Schjelderup has impressed for Norway at the World Cup, and will face Thomas Tuchel's England side next in the quarter-final after helping his own nation take down Brazil in a 2-1 win Sunday.

The winger came off the bench to provide two crucial assists for Erling Haaland, despite only ever starting one game at a World Cup tournament before.

Schjelderup carries the reputation of being a known wonderkid on the video game, Football Manager, and is starting to live up to the hype.

A transfer to the London Stadium could happen, and the question needs to be asked after his display against Brazil, but only if he still favours a move away from Benfica.

How Schjelderup's season went with Benfica amid West Ham links

West Ham never finalised a deal for Schjelderup in the end, perhaps because of Crysencio Summerville's quick turnaround of form in the winter period.

But with the Dutchman set to leave E20 soon, the Hammers need to bring in a capable replacement who can also grow along with the club.

Schjelderup would be that man, though he did see more game time in the second half of last season, when he then came to life for Benfica.

Still, he only started 20 games of a possible 34 in the league, finishing the campaign with a combined 12 goals and assists to his name.

Money wouldn't be an issue for West Ham, but they'd have to see if the player would still be interested in the move.

Surely it's worth a go, right?