Report: Hammers agree Fernandes deal

West Ham are currently being reported as having agreed a deal in principle for Gedson Fernandes.

Sky Sports have reported a deal has been agreed for the Benfica midfielder to join on an 18 month loan with no option or obligation to buy.

The Benfica board were due to meet this morning to discuss offers for the player and it seems as though a possible outcome has been reached.

There may be some more twists and turns to this one of course following reports that Chelsea were ready to do a deal which topped ours and included a £55 million option to buy.

However, we have learned since then that Frank Lampard – having had the transfer restrictions lifted at the club – is more interested in signing a defender and striker.

Benfica are keen for the player to get regular Premier League football after falling out of favour with the manager in Portugal and West Ham’s need in the midfield is greater than Chelsea’s.