Hammers scouts watch Silva

According to football website Sport Witness , West Ham scouts were spotted at the International match between Portugal and Bulgaria on Good Friday.

The report claims the Irons scout was there to watch Rafa Silva, which they say ‘just so happens to be a player West Ham have been watching at SC Braga this season’.

The article claims the Hammers Portugal scouting network was originally set-up by Sam Allardyce but Slaven Bilic has been keen to continue it since taking over in the summer. West Ham is one of  a number of Premier league clubs attending Portuguese league matches on a regular basis this season.

The Portugal international is considered one of the brightest prospects in the Primeira Liga and he’s been heavily scouted by Manchester United in the last 18 months.

Jose Mourinho is said to have ‘reserved’ an option on the 22-year-old if he takes charge at Old Trafford this summer with the 52-year-old believed to be a firm admirer of the winger.  However, Silva says he is happy in Portugal saying “I’ve received some offers but I preferred to stay here. My goal is to give everything for this club.”