West Ham are gearing up for a busy summer of transfers and a first season without their captain Declan Rice.
David Moyes' side are set to lose the 24-year-old midfielder to Arsenal this summer in a deal that could fetch the Hammers a total £105million if all clauses in Rice's contract are met.
The club likely won't waste much time reinvesting some of that money back into the playing squad, with West Ham back in the Europa League next season following their Conference League victory in May.
One player the club has been linked with is Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca, who has been a target for Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Newcastle.
The 19-year-old made several eye-catching appearances for the Rio-based side last season, scoring four league goals in 17 appearances before extending his contract until 2028 back in February.
That renewal came after Newcastle United submitted a £13.5million offer for Franca in January, which did not match Flamengo's valuation and was rejected.
READ MORE: Liam Gallagher delivers savage Declan Rice swipe as Arsenal beat Man City to £105m transfer
West Ham have recently appointed a new technical director Tim Steidten who is focused on signing new recruits with long-term potential, working closely with Moyes and sporting director Mark Noble
Steidten previously fulfilled a similar role with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in his native Germany, whom he joined from Werder Bremen in June 2019.
“I am extremely proud to be joining West Ham United, at such an exciting time in this Club’s incredible history," he said. "Building on the club’s recent European success, there is already a fantastic team in place, but also so much ambition – from the Board, the Manager, his staff and the players – to continue succeeding, developing and growing. I cannot wait to play a key part in that. Come on you Irons!”
