West Ham have scouts in Argentina keeping a “a close eye” on Brazil U20 striker Marcos Leonardo at the Under 20 World Cup, according to Fichajes.net.

The Spanish rumour mongers claim that the Hammers are admirers of the Santos player, who has been in impressive form for his country with 3 goals in 3 group-stage matches.

However, Leonardo’s performances have also attracted the interest of other Premier League clubs, as well as teams on the continent.

Fichajes report that Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham, Roma, Juventus and Paris Saint-German have been watching the 20-year-old too.

Leonardo does have a release clause but it could prove too costly for West Ham

The Brazilian has a buyout fee of either €60m (£52m) or €100m (£87m), depending on what report you read, and it remains to be seen whether Santos would be prepared to sell for below his current release clause.

Considering the amount of interest being shown in Leonardo, that seems unlikely, so it is possible that West Ham would have to break their transfer record to get him.