West Ham 'monitor' £68m star with 15 goals this season

West Ham are set to face fierce competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa as they open up interest once more in Pedro Goncalves.

The Sporting CP star has been on flying form for his club this season, attracting interest from across the continent with the Hammers eyeing him up ahead of the summer transfer window. According to a report from O Jogo, both the Hammers and Villans bosses, David Moyes and Unai Emery, are keen to acquire his services ahead of the 2024/25 season but it remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old wishes to end up nearer the West or East coast of England.

West Ham were reportedly linked with a move to sign the Portuguese international back in January, but the midfielder and winger remained in his home country.

So far this campaign 15 goals and 14 assists in 39 games, scoring 73 goals and 48 assists in his 168 appearances for Sporting CP since arriving in 2020. The attacker is also of huge interest for sides due to his versatility on the pitch, as he is able to play both on the wing and in the number 10 position.

However, any side who secures the services of the ex-Wolves star will have to cough up around £68 million. The 25-year-old star has a release clause inserted into his current contract and it is reported that the Portuguese outfit are unwilling to sell their key playmaker for much less than that amount.

After a youth career with Braga and Valencia, Goncalves headed to England in 2017 and made just one competitive appearances for Wolves, coming on in a 2-0 EFL Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday. He then headed to Famalicao in 2019 before moving to Sporting Lisbon in 2020.

The attacking midfielder has two international appearances; has twice been named as the Primeira Liga Player of the month; twice listed in the Team of the Year and has been both the Portuguese league's top scorer and top assist provider.

While he would evidently be a huge asset to the East London club, it is unclear whether Moyes will be able to battle against a side potentially able to offer Champions League football in the Premier League.