West Ham United are in talks with Internacional for defender Vitao, as a bid worth €8 million was already rejected.
According to Brazilian outlet Revista Colorada, West Ham United have seen a bid worth €8 million rejected by Internacional for defender Vitao. The 24-year-old Brazilian defender is the subject of massive European interest, as the Hammers are looking to bring a centre-back after a failed move for Fabricio Bruno.
West Ham United in Vitao bid
West Ham United director Tim Steidten has been in Brazil as talks with some of the clubs there continue. The Hammers’ sporting director wants to bring at least 2-3 players from the South American nation to shore up their squad ahead of the new season. They had agreed a deal for Flamengo defender Fabricio Bruno. But that arrangement has been called off, according to recent reports.
There are concerns they could falter away in another deal, which is for Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme. Corinthians’ young star Wesley Gassova may also reject the overtures of the East London club, meaning Steidten could be in for a major disappointment in his pursuit of those three prospective signings.
However, the Hammers are now angling for a move for another Brazilian defender in Vitao. The Internacional star only joined them on a permanent basis after his Shakhtar Donetsk contract expired. They are open to a sale and want €12 million at the very least and have already rejected an €8 million bid from West Ham for the 24-year-old Brazilian defender.
The increased asking price comes after a contract stipulation inserted in Vitao’s deal with Internacional, which points towards 20% of any sale going to the player’s representatives, who happens to be Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian. The super agent has good ties with Premier League clubs and could ensure the Hammers get their man should they come up with an improved offer close to €12 million.
West Ham facing competition for Vitao
The Hammers were not alone in making bids for Vitao, as Real Betis and Villarreal also presented offers, which were all rejected by Internacional. Given that the 24-year-old Brazilian defender is a highly coveted player for these teams, they might return with an improved bid in the coming days.
West Ham can find an agreement with an improved offer close to Internacional’s asking price. Should they delay proceedings for any reason, the Hammers could be in for a fourth disappointment in their pursuit of Brazilian talent in a short span.
