West Ham are on the verge of losing their bid to sign Brazilian duo Fabricio Bruno and Luis Guilherme, The Pitch Prospect has learned.
Technical director Tim Steidten was personally in Brazil to negotiate contracts for the duo with new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui.
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The Hammers are in advanced talks with Flamengo to sign defender Bruno for £12.5 million.
Bruno has emerged as one of Brazil’s best centre-backs after winning the 2022 Copa Libertadores, which led to the 28-year-old making his international debut against England at Wembley earlier this year.
And the east Londoners were in advanced talks to bring Palmeiras’ young winger Guilherme to the London Stadium after submitting a £25m offer.
The 18-year-old only made his first-team debut in March 2023 but has developed into a key player for the league champions, where he is part of an impressive attack that also includes Real Madrid-bound Endrick.
But owner David Sullivan is now apparently on the verge of calling off the two transfers.
It is believed that West Ham is not willing to pay the salary demanded by the two.
And now the club seems to be happy to have to do without Bruno and Guilherme, as other clubs are able to meet their demands.
It now seems Guilherme is destined to end up in the Middle East, where Saudi Pro League chiefs are looking to sign the world’s best talent to raise the division’s profile.
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Despite the disappointment over Bruno and Guilherme, all signs continue to point to a busy summer at West Ham.
New coach Lopetegui is keen to strengthen his squad and has the potential to bring up to four new players to the club.
It is assumed that the Spaniard wants to sign two defenders, with a winger also being a priority.
In the meantime, there could be some notable departures, with Danny Ings being linked with a return to Southampton.
And it remains to be seen whether the Saints will look to convert Flynn Downes’ loan spell at St Mary’s into a permanent stay following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.