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Gedson Fernandes: West Ham agree loan for Benfica midfielder in principle

"He's a young player with potential, probably more so for the future," says West Ham boss David Moyes

West Ham have made a revised offer for Gedson Fernandes
Image: West Ham have made a revised offer for Gedson Fernandes

West Ham have agreed a deal in principle to sign Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan without an option to buy.

The Premier League club have been in continued negotiations with Benfica over the signing of Fernandes, with West Ham initially offering an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £33m.

Benfica held a board meeting on Thursday to discuss the final conditions of the proposed deal for the 21-year-old.

Asked about Fernandes ahead of Friday's Sky Live trip to Sheffield United, West Ham boss David Moyes said "We won't be bringing in a bundle of players and obviously we'd like to add to the squad if we can.

"He's one name which we're talking about."

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Portuguese journalist Filipe Dias explains to the Transfer Talk podcast why Benfica are open to losing Fernandes

Asked to confirm if a deal had been agreed, he added: "I couldn't tell you since I've come in from training to the press conference. Maybe something has been done but I can't confirm that at the moment."

"He's a young player with potential, probably more so for the future. He's got good pedigree and I'd like to bring in young players in for the future, who we can look to build upon and get a nice strong young team.

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"But also, I have to be very wary that I need players who are ready for now and can feature in the first team as well."

Sky Sports News understands Chelsea also made an offer for Fernandes, which is believed to be an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy for £55m.

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The Transfer Talk explain why West Ham appear to be leading the chase to sign Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes

Benfica are said to be more favourable of West Ham's latest offer as they think Fernandes is more likely to maintain his value at the London Stadium where they feel he will get more first-team opportunities.

Chelsea's offer for Fernandes is dependent on the Portugal international playing at least 50 per cent of games during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder is believed to favour a move to the Premier League and his preferred destination is understood to be London for family reasons.

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Fernandes' release clause is £102m but Benfica have already conceded they will not get close to that figure for a player who is out of favour and is reported to have fallen out with head coach Bruno Lage.

How to follow the January transfer window

Sky Sports will bring you the very latest news from the January transfer market with the return of three shows.

Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. Then join us at 7pm for the definitive round-up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.

Meanwhile, the Transfer Talk podcast will also be back at the turn of the year with more expert analysis from here and across the continent.

And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.

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