West Ham have “started negotiations” with Corinthians about signing Wesley, according to the Evening Standard.

Reports in the Brazilian media have regularly linked the Hammers with a move for the 19-year-old in recent weeks but the claims have now been backed up by English sources.

Wesley does have other suitors, including Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis but technical director Tim Steidten has begun talks early in order to head off the competition.

Despite the club effectively not having a manager to decide on transfer targets, following the official announcement that David Moyes will leave the London Stadium at the end of the season, it appears Steidten has been given permission to ramp up negotiations.

West Ham will face obstacles in negotiating a deal for the teenager

The Evening Standard report that Corinthians are currently demanding £26m to sell Wesley this summer. That is more than the Irons are prepared to pay. There is also the added complication that the player is only 70% owned by his club, with the other 30% in the hands of his representatives.

Those obstacles mean any deal will take time to finalise and Steidten clearly wants to ensure that another club cannot swoop in and hijack the transfer.

What do fans need to know about Wesley?

The Brazilian is a winger by trade, preferring to play on the left flank so he can cut in onto his stronger right foot.

Wesley only signed a new four-year contract back in August last year so Corinthians are in a good position to negotiate with interested clubs, hence the high asking price.

Despite his young age, the forward has made 60 first team appearances for his club, but he doesn’t have much of an end product at the moment. He has scored just 6 goals and contributed 4 assists in senior football.