Chelsea have also entered the race to sign Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £55m.
The 20-year-old Portugal international has not played in any of Benfica’s last seven games after reportedly been out of favour and to have fallen out with head coach Bruno Lage.
Fernandes’ representatives have reportedly been in the UK attempting to broker a loan deal in the January transfer window with a £34m option to buy with interested parties. The player is keen to play in England after discussing the move with his family over the festive period.
Sky Sports reports that Benfica have conceded they will not get Fernandes’ release clause of £102m met by any club for an out-of-favor player. The club, however, is keen to get rid of Fernandes who grew through the ranks at the club in January.
However, reports have it that Chelsea’s offer for Fernandes is dependent on the Portugal international midfielder playing at least 50 percent of games during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham and Benfica have been in continued negotiations over the signing of Fernandes, with the Hammers’ latest offer believed to be an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £33m.
However, West Ham’s percentage of games that would trigger the sale is less than Chelsea’s and the final decision on where the 20-year-old will end up rests with Benfica and the player himself.
It is understood that discussions are underway over a possible 18-month loan deal which would include an option to buy, with David Moyes looking to make his first signing since returning to the club last weekend.
Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Moyes said: “I don’t think I would go so far as to say we are in deep talks. He is a name mentioned alongside many. I wouldn’t go as far as that.
“He comes into the category. We want to add a player in that department. If we can add one to the group that will help us.”
