(Football news) The appointment of head coach Julen Lopetegui, who was announced last month, marks the start of a new chapter for the Hammers following four years under David Moyes’ supervision.

At the London Stadium, the 57-year-old will formally start work on July 1st after signing a two-year deal with a three-year option.

West Ham’s management is currently brainstorming potential summer transfer targets in an effort to bolster the first team roster and improve upon their ninth-place Premier League result from the previous campaign. 

Hammers director of football Tim Steidten has taken control of the club’s transfer dealing and has recently been on a scouting mission in South America, with one of his targets now edging closer to making the switch to East London.

West Ham closing in on Luis Guilherme signing

West Ham are closing in on the €30m (£25.5m) signing of 18-year-old Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.

The report adds that Hammers chief Steidten has been in Brazil negotiating the deal, and despite rumours that their attempts to sign Guilherme were in danger of being called off, it is understood that the deal has almost been finalised.

West Ham are set to pull off somewhat of a coup as Guilherme has been linked with a number of top European clubs including Premier League quartet, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest.

A recent report claims that Brentford tabled a £25m bid for the highly-rated midfielder, but it now appears that he has chosen to join West Ham.

Guilherme the latest Palmeiras product to move abroad

Guilherme only turned 18 in February, but he has already made 45 first-team appearances for Palmeiras, including his senior debut in April last year.

The versatile midfielder helped Palmeiras lift the Brasileiro title last year and also won the Under-20 South American Championship at international level with Brazil.

Guilherme is set to become the latest product of Palmeiras’ academy to make a big-money move to Europe, following in the footsteps of Real Madrid-bound Endrick and Chelsea-linked Estevao Willian.

The teenager could become West Ham’s first signing of the summer transfer window, although the Hammers are believed to be in advanced talks to sign Flamengo defender Fabricio Bruno and Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

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