West Ham are among six Premier League teams interested in signing Vasco da Gama winger Rayan, according to TBRFootball.

The website claims the Hammers, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Brentford, Fulham and Nottingham Forest are all weighing up a move for the Brazilian Under 20 international.

Rayan is a left-footed forward who has already made 35 first-team appearances despite only being 18 years of age.

However, the teenager’s contract expires at the end of next year and TBR report that Vasco are “ready to sell” if a club matches their £8.5m asking price.

West Ham have already signed a young Brazilian winger

Technical director Tim Steidten does have strong connections in Brazil, and that was demonstrated when the Irons recruited Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras for £26.5m back in July.

The youngster is also a left-footed wide player, so you do question the logic of the club pursuing Rayan, who has almost identical characteristics.

A striker will be the priority for January

Following the news that Niclas Fullkrug could be sidelined for a longer period than expected with Achilles tendonitis, it does raise the prospect of West Ham going into the market for a new No.9.

Manager Julen Lopetegui could be forced to rely on the ageing Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, which is far from ideal. Fullkrug may have gotten over his fitness problems by the next transfer window but many supporters will feel that additional cover is still required.

With Ings (and potentially Antonio) leaving when their contracts expire next June, there is a case to be made for bringing in reinforcements before the summer anyway. It seems unlikely the Steidten would opt to pay £8.5m for someone like Rayan when there are clearly more pressing needs in other areas of the pitch.

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