West Ham pursuit of Jota Silva takes twist after Benfica development

West Ham could miss out on highly-rated Vitoria Guimaraes winger Jota Silva after Benfica have moved decisively to sign the 24-year-old, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

The Italian outlet has reported that West Ham are one of many Premier League clubs watching on, with the attacker having a £17.1million release clause.

Silva has scored 15 goals and added seven assists in all competitions this season, with the Hammers just one of several clubs who have interest in him, alongside Brighton and Fulham.

West Ham to sign Jota Silva?

The Irons are preparing for a sea change at the London Stadium this summer, with the prospective signing of Silva just one of several transfers looming in the coming months.

However, the most pressing issue at the London Stadium at the moment is the identity of who West Ham's new head coach will be at the start of next season, with David Moyes all but certain to depart the club.

Silva is far from the club's only Portuguese target at the moment either, with Paulo Fonseca and Ruben Amorim both linked with their upcoming managerial vacancy, although official talks with the latter have reportedly broken down in recent days.

It is hard to know what path Tim Steidten is going to take with his summer transfers, with the managerial situation needing to be cleared up first to get everyone moving in the same direction.

This is certainly one to watch as the end of the season approaches, though.

In other West Ham news, the Irons have made progress in their bid to sign a sought-after domestic option.

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