West Ham are the favourites to secure the signature of Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Brais Mendez, according to reports in Spain.

The Hammers and Aston Villa are said to be fighting it out for the Spanish international but AS (via Sport Witness) claim that Julen Lopetegui’s side are leading the race to snap him up.

Mendez generally plays as a no.10 but he can be deployed in a deeper-lying central midfield position or on the right wing if needed.

The big obstacle that West Ham would have to overcome if they do want to sign the 27-year-old, though, would be the transfer fee.

AS report that Mendez’s release clause is €60m (£50m). It is not known whether Real Sociedad would accept a figure below that amount but it’s clear that he won’t be available on the cheap, with his contract still having three and a half years left to run.

What do West Ham fans need to know about the player?

Mendez started his career at Celta Vigo, coming through the Galician club’s academy before making his first team debut in September 2017 during a 1-1 draw against Getafe.

Just under 5 years later, he secured a €14m switch to Real Sociedad. He has been a regular starter for the Basque side over the last two and a half seasons, having racked up 22 goals and 20 assists in 113 appearances during that period.

Mendez could be Paqueta’s replacement

West Ham know that they could lose Lucas Paqueta to a lengthy ban if he is found guilty of spot-fixing allegations. The hearing is set to take place in March.

With that being the case, a contingency plan will be needed and it appears as if technical director Tim Steidten has identified Mendez as a potential target.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here