West Ham United are weighing up a move for Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, as reported by David Ornstein on The Athletic.
What’s the story?
Both David Sullivan and David Moyes are said to be admirers of the 21-year-old former Leeds player, and are deliberating on whether to bring him in during the current transfer window.
The decision regarding whether a move will be made now is expected to come by Wednesday, ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Burnley are also interested in signing the England youth international, but will not be making a move for him in January, potentially looking to do so in the summer.
Sampdoria are determined to keep hold of Vieira, but the Italian outfit could settle for €20m [£16.8m], or take a slightly smaller fee with add-ons, though a loan deal is not an option in their eyes.
In desperate need
West Ham are in desperate need of a centre-midfielder, with Carlos Sanchez the closest competition the Hammers have to Mark Noble and Declan Rice.
However, he showed against West Bromwich Albion that he is simply not good enough to fulfil the role, receiving the lowest WhoScored rating of any player involved in the game, with just 5.1.
Alternatively, Vieira has been an influential player in Serie A this season, starting 16 games and coming off the bench in two, getting one assist in that time.
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He has highlighted his all-action defensive style this campaign, averaging 1.6 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game, while also winning 1.5 aerial duels.
There is also efficiency in his game when on the ball, as he averages 1.2 key passes and 0.4 dribbles, while completing 82.9% of his attempted passes.
It is suggested that there are alternative targets if West Ham don’t go for Vieira, but with the deadline getting closer, they really need to make their decision soon.
Meanwhile, David Moyes’ comment summarised West Ham’s entire transfer window.
