'Close' - West Ham poised to beat Aston Villa and Wolves to £17m bagsman

West Ham are 'close' to completing a deal for Vitoria Guimaraes striker Jota Silva, which would see the club beat several Premier League rivals said to be interested in the 24-year-old's services this summer.

That's according to Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa Pinto, who reports that the London outfit have activated a €20 million release clause in the player's contract. Taking to social media platform X, the reporter wrote: "West Ham is close to sign Jota Silva from Vitoria Guimaraes for 20 million euros, relating to his release clause.

"Deal is well underway, and Jota prepares himself to leave VSC, after an incredible season. 15 goals and 7 assists in all competitions. Long term contract awaits. Nothing done/agreed yet."

The signing would be a major coup for West Ham so early on in the summer with a striker one of the club's key targets for the transfer window. Jarrod Bowen excelled through the middle again last season, but remains a more natural winger, while the future of Michail Antonio is up in the air given his Hammers contract expires this summer.

Jota Silva bagged 15 goals in all competitions this season and can play on either flank, as well as being deployed as the main striker. He featured in both of Vitoria Guimaraes' Europa Conference League qualifying matches last year, which the side lost to NK Celje.

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In April, The Express reported that there was a three-way Premier League battle on the cards for the forward, who made his debut for the Portugal national side this year. West Ham have always been named as one of the interested parties, even before the arrival of Julen Lopetegui was confirmed.

Aston Villa were another of the sides linked with a move for Jota Silva along with midlands rivals Wolves. The player himself is believed to be keen on a Premier League move.

He previously said: “I want to reach the top of world football. I want to play in the Champions League and my dream is to reach the national team. That’s why I’m working.”