Report: West Ham lead Marcos Paulo race; Leeds and Arsenal also keen

West Ham United have held talks with Marcos Paulo’s representatives, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Hammers are leading the likes of Arsenal and Leeds United in the race for his signature.

It would be no surprise to see the Hammers step up their movements in the transfer market imminently. David Moyes’s side were beaten 2-0 at home by Newcastle on the opening day of the campaign.

And it appears that Paulo may be one of the players that the Irons are looking to bring in.

TEAMtalk reports that West Ham are in pole position to sign the 19-year-old Fluminense forward. It is noted that Arsenal, Leeds, Southampton and Watford are also tracking the teenager.

The report adds that Paulo’s contract includes a £40 million release clause. However, it is not clear if his admirers will have to pay that sort of fee for the youngster this summer.

TBR View: Paulo could be an incredibly exciting signing, but deal may not appease frustrated West Ham fans

The Hammers board need to produce something special during the final weeks of the window after coming in for a lot of criticism this summer. And after their opening day defeat, they have no excuses not to act.

Paulo – who represents Portugal at youth level – looks to be an extremely exciting prospect. He is versatile and tends to both create and score goals in equal measure.

Nevertheless, any side working with a tight budget this summer may be taking a gamble pushing to sign Paulo during this window.

He is still developing his game, so could be a risky signing. It will be very interesting therefore, to see if West Ham decide to capitalise on their current position in the race to sign the striker.

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