West Ham United transfer breaks down due to pregnant wife

West Ham United have seen their initial proposal to Fabricio Bruno rejected in part due to the player's partner expecting a child in Brazil, according to Meia Hora.

The report [30 May] details that the need to remain settled with his young family alongside the difference in cost of living between London and Rio de Janeiro has swayed Bruno to stay put.

Brazilian international defender Bruno was set to make the move to the Premier League with a £12.5m deal at West Ham from Flamengo but the club have seen their first offer to the player rebuffed.

The Brazilian publication stated: "The cost of living in London and the fact that the athlete's wife was pregnant with the couple's second baby weighed heavily.

"The defender is married to dental surgeon Ana Clara. They are parents to two-year-old Lucca and would have to move immediately to London after the agreement.

"The player would have preferred to avoid such a sudden change at this familiar moment."

Is the Bruno to West Ham deal dead in the water?

For over a week now, it has seemed a given that Bruno would become West Ham United's first signing of the Julen Lopetegui era.

Technical director Tim Steidten has been in Brazil this week looking to tie up the deal, following what was intended to be the defender's final appearance for Flamengo in the Libertadores group stage win over Millonarios.

It was previously described as a "dream" for Bruno to play in the Premier League in what has been an excellent individual year, making his senior Brazil debut.

But it appears the player has put family first and Steidten now has his work cut out for defensive reinforcements, reportedly turning towards other targets.

However, a wage increase and potential openings to return to Brazil during the season, or domestic arrangements for his young family to more easily settle in London, could still be tabled by West Ham to look to see the deal through.

In other West Ham news, the reason is revealed on why David Sullivan reportedly rejected Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.

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