- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United are trying to pull off a major transfer coup this summer, HITC understands.
After the decision makers at the Hammers decided that the time was right to part ways with Scottish manager David Moyes, who won the Conference League for West Ham United, former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui was the man they chose and they could be busy this summer.
West Ham are trying to pull off a major coup this summer with HITC understanding that they are attempting to land Palmeiras star Luis Guilherme.
Guilherme is the latest starlet from the Brazilian club with Endrick, who moved to Real Madrid and Willian Estevao, who looks set to join Chelsea, the previous examples of this.
West Ham working hard in Brazil
It is our understanding that West Ham are working hard in Brazil to pull off some key transfers but have, as of yet, failed to pull off any deal so far.
Their move for defender Fabrice Bruno has indeed stalled after the club failed to agree personal terms with the Brazilian.
The Hammers made a move for Corinthians winger Wesley, but this too has suffered a blow after news of interest from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
However, HITC can confirm that West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten has now made an ambitious move for Guilherme. Former Brazilian defender Naldo, who is one of Steidten’s most trusted intermediaries, is understood to be working hard on the deal.
West Ham offer made
HITC can confirm that an offer has been lodged for Guilherme, with the bid understood to be in the region of £25 million, which includes substantial bonuses.
Crucially, Guilherme is understood to be open to a move to England. Chelsea have shown an interest as have Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford but it is the Hammers who have made their move.
Palmeiras are now understood to be considering their options but they are aware of interest in the attacking midfielder having sold Endrick and Estevao to Europe in the past 18 months.
The Brazilian club are under no pressure to sell Guilherme with his contract running until 2026 and a £46 million release clause inserted into his deal.
The midfielder has been dubbed a “very special player” by Palmeiras’ youth director Jose Paulo Sampaio, as per The Guardian.
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