According to reports in Portuguese newspaper Record, via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for €30m-rated (approximately £26.3m) Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, although they could face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion for the 25-year-old’s signature.
The Portugal international has long been linked with a move to England and the article in Record, via Sport Witness, suggests he is keen on joining a Premier League team following some impressive performances for club and country.
Meanwhile, West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is keen to significantly strengthen his side this summer following a disappointing debut season in their London Stadium home, and he will be looking to make some signings that can push the club on to compete for European football next term.
The Portuguese star could help them do that and with teams like West Brom and Palace lining up a move for the midfielder too, the Irons should be getting involved.
Here are three reasons West Ham must join the Eagles in the race to sign Carvalho…
Quality
Considering some of the eye-catching performances he has produced for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal, it is something of a surprise that the 25-year-old hasn’t been snapped up by a top European or Premier League club already.
Carvalho is strong in the air and a big physical presence in the middle of the park, and he has proved to be an effective shield in front of the defence on a number of occasions.
He showed his awareness by making 43 interceptions and 36 clearances in 32 Liga Nos appearances last term, but it is his ability on the ball that is perhaps more impressive.
The midfielder had a passing accuracy of 88% in the Portuguese top flight, while he also successfully completed 35 of the 43 take-ons he attempted.
Experience
Having racked up more than 150 appearances in all competitions for Sporting Lisbon – including in European competition – as well as winning 37 caps for his country and playing a key role in their Euro 2016 success last summer, Carvalho has a wealth of experience despite being just 25 years of age.
The fact that he has won a major international trophy will certainly win the respect of his new teammates, and he could prove to be an influential figure for West Ham in the future if he completed a move to the London Stadium.
Potential
Considering the qualities he brings and what he has already achieved in his career, if West Ham could sign Carvalho for around £26.3m it could prove to be a brilliant deal.
If he impresses in a midfield role for the Irons next season, he could easily be worth double that figure next summer with the way transfer prices are going, and it would prove to be a sound investment in that sense.
The 25-year-old certainly looks ready-made for the Premier League and has the potential to improve his game and get even better, and his addition would also help to bring down the average of the squad – something that Slaven Bilic is actively looking to do.
Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.