West Ham United may fail in their attempts to sign Benfica midfielder Gelson Fernandes, as Premier League rivals Everton are set to win the race to attract him, according to The Athletic.
The Hammers are looking to bolster their options in this January window, as David Moyes looks to put his mark on the squad, as he attempts to move them away from the relegation zone and up the table.
West Ham have been linked with a number of players already this month, with a main target said to be the Portugal international, who has struggled for game time with his club this term.
The 20-year-old has already featured twice for the Portugal senior side in his short career, such is the strength of feeling about his talent, and there are no shortage of clubs battling with the Hammers for his services.
Everton and Manchester United have identified him as someone to bring in this month, so West Ham were always going to have to work hard to take him to the London Stadium.
The Hammers are looking for midfielders in January, as they bid to provide further competition for the likes of Declan Rice and Mark Noble in the centre of the park, however whether Gedson is what they need remains to be seen.
The Portuguese ace is utilised more in attacking areas, and West Ham have no shortage of men who can fill those spots in the side, so he would either need to play a different position or would be used to back up other players.
That might not be a concern for the Hammers however, as it looks like Everton are in pole position to sign the midfielder, with an 18-month loan and an end deal to sign the youngster worth £34 million said in the process of being agreed, leaving Moyes to look elsewhere to strengthen his stock.