West Ham United look to have finally landed transfer target Gedson Fernandes, after a deal for an 18-month loan spell has been agreed in principle with Benfica, as per Sky Sports.
No secret has been made of the desire of the Hammers to take the Portuguese starlet, and after chasing him early on in the window, only to seemingly be losing their grip on any move, it looks like things are back on once again.
David Moyes is keen to boost his West Ham squad as he looks to keep them in the Premier League, and he sees Fernandes as someone with the capabilities to assist him to do that.
The Hammers initially tabled a bid for an 18-month loan spell for the 21-year-old, with an option to purchase him at the end of that for £33 million, however Benfica are concerned that they could miss out on a windfall, should the youngster be successful in English football, the report suggests.
Chelsea actually offered more money for Fernandes than West Ham did, but the Portuguese giants are keen to cash in on him at the end of any temporary stint away, after he has fallen down the pecking order with them.
Benfica believe that a move to the Hammers would be the best way for their talent to maintain his value, as he is likely to see more football at the London Stadium than Stamford Bridge, leaving Moyes as the front runner to get his man.
The West Ham boss confirmed no deal is over the line yet, but offered up what he sees in the talented midfielder, and how he can help the club.
“He’s a young player with potential, probably more so for the future. He’s got good pedigree and I’d like to bring in young players in for the future, who we can look to build upon and get a nice strong young team.” Sky Sports quote him as saying.
“But also, I have to be very wary that I need players who are ready for now and can feature in the first team as well.”