West Ham United could now complete double Brazil transfer blitz in January window
West Ham could be ready to swoop for Sao Paulo duo Pablo Maia and Luizao as David Moyes looks to bulk up his squad in January, according to journalist Dean Jones.
According to UOL in Brazil, The Irons are interested in a £9million move for Maia, with the midfielder telling the same source earlier this month that it would be a “dream” to play in Europe later in his career.
Fulham have already had a £6.5million bid for the 20-year-old turned down, according to the same Brazilian outlet, with Sao Paulo holding out for a price in the region of £9 million.
Moyes’ side has also been linked with a potential deal for centre-back Luizao – whose contract expires in January – but negotiations have been halted due to The Hammers’ reluctance to pay the compensation demanded by the Brazilian side. [ESPN Brazil]
Life at the London Stadium has a dire look to it as the World Cup break rumbles on, with the side currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and just one point above the relegation zone.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones believes there is substance to the London’s club’s interest in the Brazilian duo after he checked out both links with sources.
He said: “The stories are being driven from South American sources.
“I’ve checked it out and it does seem like there’s something to it. They’re quite open about this being one that is on the agenda.”
Reinforcements needed
Despite the roadblocks hit between West Ham and Sao Paulo for Luizao, you would expect that the two clubs can get that deal over the line, with Moyes in need of another centre-back following the injury to Kurt Zouma.
The deal for Maia looks to be a much more difficult one to complete, with interest from Fulham likely to bump up the price demanded by the Brazilian club for their highly talented youngster.
It will most likely come down to which London club can offer the Brazilian the most guaranteed game-time, and with Declan Rice a shoo-in in the Hammers midfield, it would come as no surprise to see Marco Silva’s side pip West Ham at the line.
The Irons are in desperate need of acquisitions to bolster their squad in January following a less-than-impressive start to the season.
The signings of the Brazilian duo could add the much-needed competition Moyes wants in his squad.