West Ham United close in on their first summer signing

West Ham United are edging closer to signing Vitoria de Guimaraes winger Jota Silva.

Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa Pinto reports they planning to submit an offer of over €20 million, which is around the same figure in the Portuguese winger’s release clause.

Sporting director Tim Steidten and new manager Julen Lopetegui are aiming to overhaul an ageing squad with several players leaving when their contracts expire this summer.

A striker is one of the priorities, and several names have been linked with a move to London Stadium, but a winger could be the first of many recruits to link up with Lopetegui’s squad.

Jota is an exceptional target for the Hammers

Replacing David Moyes adds plenty of pressure on Lopetegui’s shoulders to succeed in London, and anything other than a return to Europe next season could irk the supporters.

It goes without saying that additions to his squad this summer will be crucial to achieving that goal, but the recruitment team are on the right track if Jota ends up being the first signing.

The Portugal international lit up the Primera Liga in the 2023/24 season, notching 11 goals and six assists in 33 games as Vitoria finished just outside the European places.

Given that West Ham lost Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma without landing any suitable replacement, Jota could be a bargain signing for the club.