Benfica are worried that they could lose West Ham target Vangelis Pavlidis this summer, according to reports in Portugal.

ABOLA claim that “several European clubs” are keeping tabs on the Greek international, who has scored 28 times in 49 appearances.

Benfica have protected themselves in the sense that Pavlidis does have a sizeable buyout fee in his contract worth €100m (£85m).

However, ABOLA says there are still concerns that a team will “move for” the striker and the Portuguese club could be left without one of their most important players.

West Ham are among the forward’s suitors

Reports in the English press have previously mentioned the Hammers, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton as teams who are keeping tabs on Pavlidis.

In addition to those clubs, it is believed that Barcelona could also enter the race, although it is felt that Premier League sides would have an advantage simply because they have the financial resources to meet Benfica’s demands.

Pavlidis is not the only striker linked with a switch to the London Stadium

It’s clear that one of West Ham’s main priorities this summer will be to bring in a new No.9. Talks have been held with Lille’s Jonathan David, who is available on a free transfer. However, there are some concerns about how the Canadian would fit into Graham Potter’s system.

Alternatives such as Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap have been mentioned too, but the Irons are not believed to be favourites to sign either of those players.

A lot will come down to finances. If Benfica want a fee that is close to Pavlidis’s release clause, then that would almost certainly price out West Ham. Out of all the candidates, David still seems like the most realistic option but we shall have to see how the club’s search for a new striker unfolds over the coming weeks.

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