Hammers could hijack Real Sociedad deal

Attacking midfielder Christian Portugues Manzanera, better known as ‘Portu’ was expected to join Real Sociedad on a five-year deal but Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo now says that deal is far from complete as they cannot afford his £8.8 million price-tag.

The newspaper claims there is interest from West Ham and Brighton suggesting they could hijack the deal before it crosses the line.

The 27-year-old currently plays for Girona who was relegated from La Liga last season. He scored nine goals and made 3 assists in 34 appearances.

The attacking player can play as a striker or a winger which could Pellegrini a number of options for a relatively small outlay.

Born in Murcia, Spain, Portu was a product of Valencia CF’s youth system. He made his senior debut with the reserves at only 17, going on to spend several seasons with the side in Segunda División B.  In 2012, he was called up by first-team manager Unai Emery.

In 2014 Valencia sold Portu to Segunda División club Albacete Balompié with a buy-back option.

In 2016, after Alba’s relegation, Portu signed a three-year deal with Girona FC also in the second tier. He scored eight goals providing eight assists in his first season, helping to a first-ever top flight promotion. Portu bettered that total to 11 the following season, as the Catalans easily retained their top flight league status.