West Ham: South American duo now 'on the agenda' at London Stadium | OneFootball

West Ham United could be heading for a double swoop in Sao Paulo duo Pablo Maia and Luizão as David Moyes looks to bring in reinforcements to his squad at the London Stadium in January, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Irons currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point and two places above the relegation zone.

West Ham United transfer news – Pablo Maia and Luizão

According to UOL in Brazil, West Ham are interested in a £9m deal for Maia, with the midfielder telling the same source earlier this month that it would be a “dream” to play in Europe during his career.

The same outlet have also reported that Premier League rivals Fulham have had a £6.5m bid for the 20-year-old turned down, with Sao Paulo looking for something closer to the aforementioned price of £9m.

Meanwhile, ESPN in Brazil has reported that West Ham’s potential deal for centre-back Luizão has stalled, with the east London side unwilling to pay the compensation that the Brazilian club are demanding to let him leave for the London Stadium.

The 20-year-old’s contract at Sao Paulo expires at the end of January 2023, with the Irons looking at signing the defender on a pre-contract agreement.

And Jones believes that despite the stories not being driven by local media, there does seem to be some substance to the transfer news.

What has Jones said about Maia and Luizão?

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “The stories are being driven from South American sources.

“I’ve checked it out and it does seem like there’s something to it.

“They’re quite open about this being one that is on the agenda.”

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Will Maia and Luizão sign for West Ham?

Despite the supposed impasse that has been reached in the deal to sign Luizão, you would expect both clubs to work out a deal to bring the centre-back to the London Stadium, with West Ham likely to be eager to avoid losing his services.

The deal for Maia looks far less clear cut, as you would expect Fulham to come back with a second bid closer to the £9m that the Brazilian giants are demanding.

It may come down to which London club can offer the midfielder a clearer route into the first team and the midfielder may have his heart set on a move to the Hammers, so he can unite in the middle of the park with compatriot Lucas Paquetá.

The Irons will be hoping to sew both of these deals up as quickly as possible, so they can focus on adding more first-team additions to their squad, as they look to escape a relegation battle this season.