West Ham reportedly want £8.5m gem, his manager believes has traits that ‘can’t be bought’

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West Ham United are rivalling Southampton for the summer transfer of Alberth Elis, who Boavista manager Jesualdo Ferreira previously claimed has attributes that ‘can’t be bought’.

The Premier League duo have emerged as potential destinations for Elis after approaching his Liga NOS side, per A Bola. Both were sounding out how much it would cost to sign the Honduras striker, who scored eight goals last season.

Watford and Brighton are also tracking the 25-year-old forward, who offered seven assists over his 31 league appearances, as well. But all four face a €10million (£8.5m) asking price, with Boavista holding firm with Elis under contract to 2024.

Elis only moved to Boavista from MLS franchise Houston Dynamo last September. Axadrezados boss Ferreira now believes the forward has begun to round out his game, but is not convinced he has the ability to be a top-club’s leading centre-forward.

“Elis started learning to play football now,” Ferreira told O Jogo last month. “What he was and is has a lot to do with his DNA. His past in Honduras and the United States highlighted his physical ability, the way he fights on the field, how he surrenders. But he lacked, and I believe he still lacks, the tactical-technical contours to be a top player.

“Many of the things he has can’t be bought, and he has them, the others can be acquired. In these acquisitions, I believe he can be in the future of good players in international football. He is 25 years old and will go far if he is able to evolve in those aspects. Elis has eight goals and several assists. He is not a scorer, but he is a striker who gives excellent depth.”

TBR’s view: Elis can be solid depth for West Ham

Brighton nor Watford are yet to open to formal discussions with Boavista for the transfer of Elis. Porto, Bordeaux, Nice and Rennes have also shown an interest, according to O Jogo, who note Celtic have followed the 45-cap attacker for some time.

But West Ham have taken the first step toward signing Elis by contacting Os Axadrezados to sound out their demands. And David Sullivan striking a deal for the 25-year-old could see the Irons chief land David Moyes solid depth.

However, it is only in depth that Elis would likely be a good signing for West Ham. His current boss’ concerns – amid praise – should suggest the Honduran is not at a stage to be a leading number nine in the Premier League.

Elis’ numbers in the Liga NOS last term were solid, though. He scored and created regularly under Ferreira as Boavista ended the season just two points above the relegation zone. The former Dynamo forward was available for all but two games following his move, as well.