West Ham transfer target Bento is “on the verge” of completing his move to Genoa, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Earlier this week, Romano had revealed that the Hammers had made an offer to Al-Nassr for the Brazilian international, but he now says the goalkeeper is poised to make the switch to Italy instead:

“Genoa are on the verge of signing Bento as new goalkeeper after new direct talks with Al Nassr.”

“Final details to be sorted after tonight match but Genoa have definitely overtaken West Ham in the race for Bento.”

Why were the Hammers pursuing Bento?

It appears as if head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was not happy with the current goalkeeping options at his disposal. Despite being signed for £20m from Leicester in the summer, he has not picked Mads Hermansen to start one game.

Alphonse Areola has been ever-present in goal following Nuno’s appointment back in September, but it appears the Frenchman’s performances have not satisfied the manager either.

Who are West Ham expected to target next?

No other goalkeepers have so far emerged as potential targets, and it may simply be the case that Bento’s desire to leave Saudi Arabia and move to Europe was regarded as a market opportunity.

For most fans, the area that needs to be addressed most is the centre of defence. Nuno has not been able to stop his team shipping goals since he arrived at the club, and the feeling is that the problem can only be solved in the transfer market.

Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell was seen as the standout target, but no official talks have taken place to sign him this month. Instead, it looks like the Irons are looking to secure the signature of Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock. The 32-year-old has only been a bit-part player under Keith Andrews this season.

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