West Ham prepare £30m bid to sign prolific Brazilian striker Igor Jesus
western ham United are preparing a bid to sign prolific centre-forward Igor Jesús from Brazilian side Botafogo in January, according to the sun.
After scoring 14 goals in 19 appearances for Saudi Pro League team Shabab Al-Ahli, Botafogo secured the title. transfer of the talisman on a free transfer in the summer and has scored eight goals and provided three assists in all competitions for Artur Jorge's side this campaign.
according to the sunThe Hammers are preparing a £30million bid to secure the two-capped Brazil international's transfer to the London Stadium this winter.
The report adds that the east London side are also considering a potential swap deal that would see Lucas Paqueta move to the Brazilian side.
Botafogo owner John Textor was interested in taking the prolific striker to Everton if he wins the bid to take over ownership of the club, according to the report.
However, the ownership bid seems unlikely, leaving West Ham as favorites in the race for the Brazilian.
West Ham need Jesus
According to the report, the Hammers are now interested in bringing Jesus to the club as they look to strengthen their forward line in the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Paqueta faces the possibility of a 'LIFETIME BAN' as he faces potential risks first division action due to gambling allegations so that West Ham could be ready to use him as bait to catch Jesus.
Despite joining the two-time Brazilian champions in July, the Sun report that the club are open to selling Jesus “at the right price” and are also exploring a potential swap deal with the Hammers that includes Paquetá.
West Ham invested significantly in a number of positions over the summer, including attack, but the forward line has been unimpressive this season and Niclas Fullkrug has failed to hit the ground running, no thanks to injury problems.
Julen Lopetegui now needs a more prolific striker in his attack and Jesus could be the savior to save the Spanish manager's job and the club's hope of a European place if he joins in January.
