West Ham United are keen on signing Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira in the January transfer window.
Vieira previously played for Championship side Leeds United, before making the switch to the Italian side in 2018.
As per Corriere dello Sport, the Hammers are willing to pay €20 million for the England Under-21 international.
Vieira moved to Sampdoria from Leeds for a reported fee of £7million, and has gone on to make 35 appearances in all competitions, registering three assists in the process.
The midfielder has played 20 times in all competitions for Sampdoria so far this season, and has become a key player for them.
His contract with the club expires only in 2023. The 21-year-old was a part of the Leeds United youth academy, following which he was called up to the senior squad.
Ronaldo Vieira – What will he add to West Ham United?
West Ham United are in all kinds of trouble in the league this season as they are fighting to retain their place in the Premier League in an intense relegation battle.
The Hammers, under new manager David Moyes, need to turn things around quickly and get a few wins to climb up the table.
They need to sign a player or two before deadline day, and one area of the pitch that needs to be improved is in midfield, as the Hammers are down on quality options in that area.
Declan Rice has done okay over the last year or so, but the likes of Mark Noble, Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez haven’t quite impressed for them.
Moyes needs to find a new player to play alongside/ahead of Rice in midfield. Ronaldo Vieira is the latest to be linked with a move to West Ham, and he could be a good signing for them.
The 21-year-old is a defensive midfielder who can create opportunities from the middle of the park. He is a player who always looks for a chance to play the long ball, switching play to either flank or maraud up the pitch with the ball.
Vieira’s direct play, which has seen him play an average of 3.6 long balls, could be a good offensive weapon for the Hammers. He also takes several shots on goal, although he doesn’t score that often.
While the price tag may be a bit steep, Vieira is a player with potential and is still very young despite racking up nearly 100 appearances in senior football. The Hammers could do with a bit of urgency in midfield, and Vieira would add that.