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Report: West Ham set to hold meeting this week in bid to sign Ludogorets star Jonathan Cafu

Ludogorets star Jonathan Cafu (Reuters)
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West Ham United are reportedly set for a meeting over a move for Ludogorets star Jonathan Cafu.

Ludogorets star Jonathan CafuLudogorets star Jonathan Cafu

According to Sport Witness, West Ham United will hold a meeting ‘in the next few days’ over a possible deal for Ludogorets star Jonathan Cafu.

Cafu, 25, endured a nomadic start to his career, turning out for Deportivo Brasil, Boavista, XV de Piracicaba, Capivariano, Ponte Preta and Sao Paulo before heading to Bulgaria in 2015.

The winger joined Ludogorets Razgrad, and after playing twice for their B team, he was promoted to first-team action – and he hasn’t looked back since.

With 21 goals in 62 games for the Bulgarian side – including a strike against Arsenal in the Champions League earlier this season – Cafu has starred with Ludogorets, triggering interest from elsewhere.

Ludogorets Razgrad's Jonathan Cafu celebrates scoring against ArsenalLudogorets Razgrad’s Jonathan Cafu celebrates scoring against Arsenal

Sport Witness report that newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion are leading the race for Cafu as they look to add to their squad ahead of their first Premier League campaign, but two top flight teams are also keen.

It’s stated that both Leicester City and West Ham United are set to hold meetings over moves for Cafu this week, where they will learn just how much it would cost to prise the Brazilian away from Ludogorets.

PFC Ludogorets Razgrad's Jonathan Cafu celebrates scoring their first goal with WandersonPFC Ludogorets Razgrad’s Jonathan Cafu (L) celebrates scoring

The report adds that Cafu’s contract with Ludogorets contains a €12million (£10.25million) release clause, and the Bulgarian outfit intend to demand that fee from any interested club this summer.

Few players have made the jump from Bulgarian football to the Premier League, but Cafu’s exploits in European football this season – four goals and five assists in 12 games – suggest that he is ready for a step up, and West Ham could be a sensible destination given their need for a winger, once Gokhan Tore’s loan from Besiktas expires.

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