Vitoria de Guimaraes winger Jota Silva will be flagged as a transfer priority for West Ham in the summer, according to O Jogo.
The newspaper has reported in its print edition (27 May, page 19) that Silva could sign for the Hammers after the appointment of Julen Lopetegui.
Jota has scored 11 goals in 33 Primeira Liga appearances this season and also attracted interest from Portuguese champions Benfica, but Lopetegui’s pursuit could see him link up with the Irons.
Lopetegui was confirmed as the club’s new manager on 23 May, and could now add Jota to his attacking line-up to offset the potential loss of Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham’s squad could undergo some serious changes this summer as Lopetegui puts his stamp on things, with Paqueta’s possible ban leaving a huge hole to fill in attacking midfield.
While another wide option in Jota wouldn’t be a direct replacement for the Brazilian, the fondness of both Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus to pop up in central areas could see either deputise through the middle next season.
Bowen and Kudus have each been the subject of transfer speculation though, and while the Hammers’ will be keen to keep the dynamic duo, their pursuit of Jota implies they’ll be well-placed to accommodate further losses as Lopetegui’s overhaul begins to take shape.
Lopetegui is targeting up to six positions he feels need improvement within the Irons’ squad, with centre-forward being one he’s also prioritised, but adding further depth to his wide stocks would certainly give the Hammers enough firepower to mount a serious challenge for the European places next season.