West Ham want to sign incredible star Evander from MLS side Cincinnati and his goal and assist record is simply jaw-dropping.
The Hammers are on the hunt for a quality replacement for Mateus Fernandes and have been linked with his compatriot Gustavo Sa.
But now there is a new name in the frame, that of 28-year-old Brazilian star Evander – who has been setting the MLS alight for the last three years after impressing at Winston Reid’s former club Midtjylland.
West Ham ‘move beyond enquiries’ for MLS star Evander
Italian side Napoli are also interested in Cincinnati’s attacking midfield ace.
And it is one of the Serie A club’s leading websites, Area Napoli, which is claiming West Ham are not only rivalling them for Evander but ‘potentially moving beyond mere enquiries’.
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The report claims the Hammers could step up their pursuit following the appointment of Nils Koppen to head up transfers.
That tallies with information out of the club to West Ham sites which suggests transfer moves are now afoot following the arrival of the Belgian talent spotter from Copenhagen.
Koppen will be aware of Evander’s talents as he shone during a spell at Copenhagen’s Danish rivals Midtjylland.
The former Vasco da Gama star scored an impressive 50 goals and laid on 38 assists from midfield while in Denmark, earning a move to MLS with Portland Timbers.
West Ham target Evander as jaw-dropping record
A brilliant 24 goals and 19 assists saw Cincinnati pay £10.5m for Evander’s services and his unbelievable goal contribution record continued apace as he notched up 22 goals and 17 assists in 43 appearances last term.
West Ham would clearly be getting a player at the peak of his powers as Evander has proved he is no flash in the pan with 18 goal involvements in 18 games already in the current campaign.
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A fee of around £16m has been mooted, which is well within West Ham’s reach and not too far off the £17.5m the Hammers are reportedly willing to pay for Sa.
Evander would appear to be a player ready made to perform at a high level whereas West Ham would be taking something of a chance on Sa and whether he can adapt.
An exciting link and a player who could be a game-changer, especially with West Ham looking to fill the void left by Fernandes and – in all likelihood – Crysencio Summerville.
Signing a player of Evander’s obvious talent would go a long way to taking the edge off Fernandes and Summerville leaving.
And at a reported £16m – it is a potential bargain too.
The last time West Ham wanted to sign a player from MLS, it was Julian Alvarez but David Moyes – by his own admission and to his deep regret – felt he was too lightweight and would not displace Michail Antonio.
West Ham cannot afford to drop another MLS clanger like that and even have the added assurance that Evander is an older, more experienced player with pedigree in European football.
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