West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has “flown to Brazil” to start talks over signing Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The journalist claims that the player, who has been described as the ‘new Neymar’ by some sections of the media, is interested in making the switch to the London Stadium this summer:

West Ham United Technical Director Tim Steidten has flown to Brazil for face to face talks with Corinthians officials over signing of Yuri Alberto. Player open to the move. #WHUFC #Corinthians https://t.co/54AoScnM1D

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 27, 2023

Despite being linked with the likes of Arsenal in recent years, it must be said that Alberto hasn’t quite lived up to the hype since making his breakthrough at Santos back in 2017. He has also had subsequent spells at Internacional and Zenit St Petersburg, leaving the latter on a free transfer in January just a year after making the move to Russia.

Even so, it appears that the Hammers believe that they can help the 22-year-old fulfil his untapped potential, with negotiations now seemingly well underway to secure his services ahead of Friday’s deadline.

West Ham are also targeting another striker

Reports in the English media on Monday have suggested that the Irons are still in talks with Sevilla about snapping up long-term target Youssef En-Nesyri.

Manager David Moyes is keen to add reinforcements upfront, with the club currently having just two out-and-out strikers in Michail Antonio and Danny Ings. Gianluca Scamacca left for Atalanta last month and there is space in the squad for at least one more forward.

Whether the London club intend to buy both En-Nesyri and Alberto, or whether they are simply negotiating in tandem for the pair with the transfer deadline fast approaching, we shall have to wait and see.