Report: West Ham request information in battle to sign £17.2m Portimonense striker Beto

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According to Record, West Ham United have requested information on Beto’s situation as David Moyes’ side look to contend for the Portimonense striker’s signature this summer.

The Hammers are bound to be in the market for a new centre-forward this off-season after electing against replacing Sebastien Haller during the January transfer window (Goal), while Moyes has distanced his club from pursuing Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham (Sky Sports).

West Ham would be expected to face strong competition for Beto’s services with Benfica having already presented a firm offer for the 23-year-old, who is also admired by Atalanta as well as Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt and CSKA Moscow.

Benfica are claimed to have offered Portimonense €8million (£6.9m) for 70% of the forward’s rights, and are ready to hand the Portuguese talent a €1m-a-season (£16.6k-p/w) contract.

The Estadio Sport Lisboa e Benfica natives are not convinced their approach will be accepted as Portimonense are likely to demand €20m (£17.2m), half the value of his release clause, but are refusing to be drawn into a bidding war.

Portimonense would be willing to negotiate a sell-on clause as part of any negotiations on Beto’s availability, as they strive to capitalise on the acrobatic attacker’s strong season in front of the net with 11 goals in 26 Liga NOS appearances, of which he has only started 17.

TBR’s view:

Benfica’s reluctance to increase their offer will come as a boost for West Ham amid their apparent interest in Beto’s services, and can seemingly acquire Moyes an exciting young forward for less than half the £40m that Chelsea are demanding for Abraham (Telegraph).

Beto has lit up the Portuguese top-flight this term with his goals, having struck the back of the net in magnificent fashion with an overhead kick against Tondela in March, while also boasting other traits that should see the 6 ft 4 talent make it at the London Stadium.

His agent, Pedro Bergano, has lauded Beto for being a ‘special’ breed of player for having such a wide and ‘rare’ skillset, noting via quotes by Brytfmonline recently:

“A player with these characteristics, at this age, with a goal, who clearly stands out, a goal of many looks and attention. It is natural for this to happen. Everyone who watches his game knows that despite being a 1.94m striker, he is very fast and he is a physically strong player.”

Moyes already has one fast and physical striker at his disposal in Michail Antonio, so may be about to add another who can challenge the injury-prone 31-year-old next season.