West Ham technical director Tim Steidten is keeping close tabs on Sporting Lisbon attacking midfielder Pedro Goncalves, according to HITC Football.

The Portuguese international has been in excellent form this season, having scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 39 appearances.

It is believed that Steidten may be eyeing Goncalves as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta, who could leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.

HITC claim that Manchester City are very much still interested in Paqueta, who was the subject of a bid from the Premier League champions last summer.

Paqueta reportedly has an £85m release clause in his contract, which means the Hammers would be powerless to keep him if City pay the necessary fee.

What do West Ham fans need to know about Goncalves?

The midfielder spent time in Braga, Valencia and Wolves’ academies before making his first-team breakthrough at Famalicao.

Goncalves joined Sporting in the summer of 2020 and he hasn’t looked back since then. The Portuguese star can play in both central positions and wide areas.

This season, the majority of his minutes have been spent on the left wing, although he has played in the no.10 role pretty regularly too.

He is best known to English supporters for a goal against Arsenal

Sporting faced the Gunners in the last 16 of the Europa League 12 months ago. In the second leg at the Emirates, Goncalves scored an equaliser from the halfway line to take the game to extra time. His team went on to win the tie on penalties before losing to Juventus in the next round.

Based on his form over the last 18 months, it’s clear to see why Steidten and West Ham are keeping an eye on the player. It remains to be seen, though, whether they will actually make a bid for him during the summer transfer window.