West Ham United are set to beat AC Milan and Manchester United to the signing of Benfica starlet Gedson Fernandes, reports in Portugal suggest.
After being linked with Fernandes over the summer, Sky in the UK reported on Thursday that Benfica are listening to offers for the 20-year-old.
The outlet stated that Lyon and Milan have ‘made formal offers’ for the player, whom the Portuguese side wish to leave on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy.
The same outlet added that Manchester United and West Ham United are both interested and that four English sides have held talks over a deal.
Now, Record (via Sport Witness) are reporting that it is the Hammers who lead the charge for Fernandes having agreed to meet Benfica’s €40m asking price.
They wish to take the player on an 18-month loan deal first, which is what Benfica have asked for, with the permanent arrangement and due to go through in summer 2021.
Talks over the deal are due to commence next week, the report continues, with West Ham officials ready to travel to Lisbon and seal the signing. Meanwhile, Record also notes that Gedson posted on social media using the emojis of two hammers, but then deleted it.
