West Ham United are reportedly in pole position to pip Lyon and Manchester United to the signing of Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes.
According to claims from French news outlet RMC Sport, as cited by GFFN, the Hammers have not yet tied up a deal for the Portuguese playmaker, but they are at the front of the queue of interested clubs.
Fernandes has enjoyed a strong season with Benfica so far and has seen his stock rise, with numerous sides across Europe keen.
It is reported that West Ham are working hard to conclude negotiations for an initial 18-month loan deal for the 20-year-old with an option to buy him at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
Read West Ham’s verdict
Fernandes is one of the brightest talents in Portugal, and it would be a positive sign if West Ham were to tie up a deal.
The Hammers have been devoid of creativity so far this term, largely as a consequence of the rigidity with which Manuel Pellegrini set his side up, and the exciting playmaker would add a different dimension to the midfield options.
Fernandes is by no means the finished article just yet, but he boasts excellent technical ability and finds space between the lines well.
He would provide the likes of Pablo Fornals with some much-needed competition, and it certainly appears to be a worthwhile signing on an initial loan deal.
