West Ham United have reportedly entered the chase for Leeds United talisman Raphinha, with the Hammers preparing a late offer for the Brazilian.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham United are showing late interest in Leeds United talisman Raphinha, with the Hammers expected to come in with a late offer. The Brazilian winger also features on the radar of several other clubs, presenting a significant challenge to Moyes’ efforts to sign the 25-year-old.
West Ham United are prepared to step up their efforts late in this window to secure an attacking talent. David Moyes feels there is a shortage of attackers in the squad and wants to add a new quality option before the end of the current window.
Moyes was ideally looking for a striker this month to provide competition for Michail Antonio, who has led the line on his own for most of this season. The Hammers do seem well stocked in wide area and the need for a centre-forward appears more urgent.
They have been linked with strikers or versatile attackers in the last few days, with Reims forward Hugo Ekitike one of the prominent names doing the rounds. However, West Ham are now eyeing a sensational move for Leeds United attacker Raphinha.
While Leeds United may not be very keen on selling their Brazilian talisman so late in the window, they will be interested to see what kind of offers the winger attracts from suitors. Unfortunately, the Hammers are not the only club vying for his signature, with many big clubs angling for a move.
The Leeds United talisman has been courted by Liverpool for the longest period, while Chelsea and Manchester United have also been mentioned recently as admirers. At one point in December, Raphinha seemed destined to make a move to Bayern Munich, although the interest from the Bavarian giants has since cooled down.
As for Liverpool, they are closing in on signing Luis Diaz, which may indicate the end of their transfer business this month as well as the end of their pursuit for a wide attacker. This could be positive news for West Ham, who may end up making an offer to Leeds United before the window closes.
As things stand, it is likely that Leeds United will turn down any overtures from West Ham or other clubs so late in the month. The Hammers may have to keep tabs on alternate targets if the chase for the Brazilian fails.
