Club chief admits West Ham target “will probably be sold” – Hammers need to “come up with enough money”

Last week, the Brazilian media revealed West Ham United’s interest in Athletico Paranaense starlet Vitor Roque.

It was claimed by journalist Venê Casagrande that the Hammers want the player on a loan with an obligation to buy. That would be a deal worth around €20m, and the talks were said to be ongoing.

It’s absolutely no secret in Brazil that Vitor Roque is one of the most promising players in the country, so regardless of West Ham’s chase, it’s clear he’ll soon be moving to Europe.

So as Athletico technical director Luiz Felipe Scolari spoke at the weekend to the Brazilian media, he was quizzed about the recent rumours surrounding the 17-year-old, and could not hide the fact that the player is soon leaving the club.

“Vitor will probably be sold. He’s 17 years old and has a lot, a lot to learn on the field, but he has been forged, since he was 16, playing in the Campeonato Brasileiro and Libertadores,” said Scolari (via Globo Esporte).

“He’s a 17-year-old boy, with the mind and experience of a 24, 25 year old. He’s ready, but he has to develop some valences. When they come up with enough money, I think they sell.”

Vitor Roque only turns 18 by the end of February, and that means that West Ham or any other club would only have him by the next summer.

The story from Globo Esporte does not mention the Hammers, despite claiming that PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Newcastle United have all already contacted the player’s staff.

He’s protected by a €100m release clause.