Report: Hammers want £8m ace

West Ham are keen on a deal to sign Red Bull Bragantino defender Leo Ortiz, according to the Daily Mail.

The 26-year-old has featured in the Brazil squad regularly in recent months, although he has yet to make his full debut for his country.

Ortiz plays as a central defender and Globo Esporte reports that he is set to be available for around £8m this summer.

The Hammers are said to be gathering information on Ortiz ahead of potentially making a formal bid for the player as David Moyes bids to reshape his backline.

The Irons are interested in signing Nayef Aguerd from Rennes but he can play at both centre-back and left-back, meaning that Moyes may believe that he can sign both players.

Ortiz is also said to have interest from Italy and he has been with Bragantino since 2019 and is the club’s captain.

However, he may believe that a move to Europe will enhance his chances of being included in the Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup later this year.

Moderate Rater

 

About Dave Langton

A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.