West Ham falling behind as Aston Villa reportedly move to sign ‘prolific’ £26.5m striker on transfer deadline day

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Aston Villa are reportedly now moving to sign West Ham United striker target Vitinha from Braga on transfer deadline day.

That’s according to a report from Foot Mercato who claim that Aston Villa will need to pay €30 million (£26.5 million) if they want to get a deal for the 22-year-old over the line before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

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First it was claimed that Newcastle wanted to beat David Moyes to the signing of Vitinha just a few days ago.

Now it seems as though Aston Villa are in the box seat to obtain the Portuguese youngster’s signature though.

So what on earth are West Ham doing? We desperately need another striker but are idly watching on as other Premier League clubs act. It really is so frustrating…

Aston Villa eye transfer deadline day move for Vitinha

Villa boss Unai Emery is trying to bring the Braga ace to the West Midlands club before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

I just wish that the Hammers were making a stronger push to sign him.

If Aston Villa get their hands on Vitinha, it will very much be their gain and West Ham’s loss.

The 22-year-old was on fire in Portugal last season, bagging 14 goals and four assists in just 37 games for Braga. He’s been in even better form this term, with 13 goals and five assists in 27 outings to his name (Transfermarkt).

He is very technically gifted, is an exceptional finisher and leads the line very well either on his own or with a partner.

Football Talent Scout have compared him to Karim Benzema – quite the compliment, and labelled him as a ‘prolific’ striker.

Crucially, Vitinha seemingly has the physicality needed to succeed in the Premier League, what with its robust and intense nature.

£26.5 million sounds like decent value for the young Portuguese ace in my book.

If Aston Villa sign him for that kind of fee on transfer deadline day, I believe that West Ham will really regret not bringing him to East London either earlier in the window or in the summer.

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