Transfer reporter Graeme Bailey has delivered an exclusive West Ham update on the pursuit of striker Marcos Leonardo.
West Ham fans know to their benefit that when technical director Tim Steidten gets on his jet it usually means only one thing.
But there was one notable exception in the summer window when the German jetted off to Brazil.
While there he was reported to have met with – among others – Santos regarding wonderkid forward Marcos Leonardo.
Steidten did hold talks with Santos to sign Leonardo but in the end the move did not materialise and the Hammers recruitment chief returned to east London empty handed.
Bailey’s exclusive update on West Ham striker chase
According to a recent report from 90 Min, West Ham were not perturbed, though. They claimed the 20-year-old star was still firmly on the club’s radar for the January transfer window.
There has been a major development, though, it seems.
Graeme Bailey has delivered an exclusive West Ham update on the pursuit of striker Leonardo.
The transfer reporter has been speaking to our sister site HITC and confirmed West Ham had ‘serious interest’ in Leonardo.
The problem is he is on the verge of signing for Benfica in a £15.5m deal because the Hammers were only interested in a loan with an obligation to buy.
Hammers no go for Leonardo
“South American sources have confirmed to HITC Football that Marcos Leonardo is ready to move to Benfica, despite previously holding a desire to move to England this window,” Bailey reports.
“West Ham were seriously looking into the deal and had held talks over a prospective loan with an obligation, but the deal has faltered and now he is heading to Benfica – who are ready to finalise terms with Santos at around €18m (£15.5m).”
That is a real blow for West Ham and a prospective signing that had excited fans.
Any doubts over whether David Moyes needs a new striker in January were surely put to bed in the drab 0-0 draw with Brighton.
It seems the Hammers and Steidten will now have to look elsewhere.
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