OPINION
West Ham are reportedly lining up a bid to sign Sporting Lisbon ace William Carvalho.
The Mail claim that the Hammers are plotting a £25million offer for the midfield enforcer, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League during recent seasons.
It is understood that Sporting are stubborn in negotiations and want a fee close to the 25-year-old’s £39.5million release clause, but that West Ham are looking to strike up a deal.
The Portugal international, who helped his nation win the European Championships in 2016, is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Good move for West Ham?
West Ham have made some impressive signings so far in the transfer window, but Carvalho would be right up there if he moved to the London Stadium.
The defensive midfielder has been frequently linked with a switch to English football and he has all the attributes to suit the Premier League.
He is big physical presence in the centre of the park and helps screen the defence so effectively.
Carvalho is also superb in possession and would be a major asset to the Hammers in keeping control of matches.
Slaven Bilic wants to make marquee signings that will take the club forward and this would certainly be one of them.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Carvalho has frequently been mentioned with leaving Sporting, but there is nothing to suggest this year will be any different and that he will end up staying with the Portuguese side.
West Ham’s braveness to submit a £25million bid shows their intent to try wrap up a deal, but the combative midfielder is a highly-rated player and won’t go on the cheap.
The Hammers do have the appeal of their superb London Stadium and are going places with the signings of Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic and Joe Hart, but it would be a surprise to see Carvalho join them.
??This Is Futbol rating: 3/10