Botofogo will only allow West Ham target Igor Jesus to leave in January if a club matches his €100m (£83m) release clause, according to RTI Esporte.

The website claims that the Hammers have had a £35m bid (including bonuses) turned down for the striker, although they are not clear when this proposal was made.

At the start of this month, it was reported that intermediaries representing the London club had proposed a £30m offer.

RTI Esporte don’t say whether there has now been a formal bid or not but, in any case, Botofogo have knocked back the approach.

West Ham’s interest in Jesus has been confirmed

Speaking to reporters a few weeks ago, Botofogo’s owner John Textor revealed that he had direct talks with the Irons about a deal for the Brazilian international:

“I spoke to West Ham, I spoke to four other Premier League teams, two from La Liga and a German team. But I told them that he (Igor Jesus) is focused on the championship.”

Those remarks were interpreted to mean that Textor would only discuss a transfer closer to the January transfer window, after Brazil’s season was over, but it appears as if Botofogo have toughened their stance.

Other Premier League sides are involved

Textor said that he had spoken to “four other” English clubs, in addition to West Ham, and RTI Esporte have revealed the identity of those teams. They claim that Botofogo also “received inquiries” from Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Considering Jesus has scored 8 goals in 26 appearances since his free transfer move from Shabab Al-Ahli last summer, it seems unlikely that any team would consider meeting his sky-high buyout fee.

The Hammers’ technical director Tim Steidten may have to look elsewhere ahead of January as the club look to strengthen their options up front.

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