West Ham have launched a move to try and snap up Algerian winger Yacine Brahimi from Primeira Liga champions Porto this summer, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese publication claim in their print edition (Wednesday, 1 August) that the Hammers have made an approach to the title winners over the 28-year-old, who was in stunning form on the way to the championship last season.
The left sided attacker, who missed just one league game, scored 12 goals and chipped in with 10 assists to total a contribution of 22 goals across all competitions, while he also has 42 caps for his country under his belt.
Good move for West Ham?
Brahimi’s record speaks for itself, but there have been so many stars who have dazzled overseas only to struggle on their arrival in the Premier League.
Portugal’s top flight is not the most illustrious of divisions and if the Hammers want guaranteed success, they should be looking at his European record.
One goal and one assist in seven appearances is hardly the sort of displays the Irons want, and having been part of a 5-0 thrashing against Liverpool, he may well struggle were he to make the move to England.
Still, there is no reward without taking a risk, and if Brahimi can replicate his displays from Portugal in the Premier League, he could be a lethal threat up front.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
The Irons have already made a fair few signings out wide and so a move for Brahimi does not really fit the bill of what is needed by Manuel Pellegrini.
Perhaps the Chilean manager is making inroads in case of any first team exits, but at the moment, this is a move which appears surplus to requirements.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10