On November 4th, Globo Esporte explained West Ham United, via an intermediary, had informed Botafogo owner John Textor that they’d be tabling a €30m bid for Igor Jesus.
Three days later, Textor admitted holding talks with West Ham, four other Premier League sides and two more from La Liga.
Julen Lopetegui’s side have taken further steps in their attempts to try and sign the 23-year-old in the winter market.
That’s according to RTI Esporte, who say West Ham have offered £30m plus €5m bonuses for the frontman. The Brazilian club have turned down this bid because the player is ‘almost non-negotiable’.
It’s claimed Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham have asked about the player, but their requests were denied. The Hammers went a step ahead by sending an offer, which has been rejected.
RTI Esporte state Jesus has a €100m [£83.5m] clause for clubs outside Brazil and West Ham can only sign him by activating his clause.
That is very questionable, and it’s not hard to argue it’s also questionable Textor would turn down £30m plus £5m in bonuses. He’s currently trying to move money between his clubs to help save Lyon from a financial penalty relegation to France’s Ligue 2, so needs sales.
