West Ham handed intriguing transfer boost after key pre-season absence emerges | OneFootball

The 21-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the London Stadium.

With Mateus Fernandes out the door, there has been increased speculation around who West Ham could bring in as his replacement.

The Portugal international moved to Tottenham in a mammoth £85million deal, and there will likely be more high-profile departures before the transfer window closes.

West Ham have been linked with a £17.1million move for Famalicao midfielder Gustavo Sa, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have even agreed a deal for the 21-year-old.

Now there have been some very telling developments in Portugal, and they have only fuelled speculation that a move to the London Stadium is imminent.

Gustavo Sa absent in Famalicao training photos

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West Ham have begun pre-season training under Nuno Espírito Santo as the Irons start preparations for the new Championship season.

The Hammers will certainly enter the new campaign as favourites for promotion, but one of the key things they must do is replace their departing talent.

Sa could be Fernandes' direct replacement as supporters anticipate the potential arrival of the Portugal under-21 international in East London.

Over in Portugal, Famalicao have also commenced their pre-season training, posting 20 photographs from one of their sessions on Instagram.

However, the 21-year-old was nowhere to be seen, and that has only increased the talk of a potential move to the London Stadium online.

What would Sa bring to West Ham?

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While not many Hammers supporters would have seen Sa in action last season, there is reason to be encouraged by the potential arrival of the midfielder.

Sa is Famalicao's captain and plays in a more advanced midfield role within a side that exceeded expectations by finishing fifth in Liga Portugal, the top tier of Portuguese football.

The 21-year-old made 34 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring four and assisting twice, while he also featured several times for the Portugal under-21s.

Sa also produced some admirable underlying statistics, ranking in the top three per cent of attacking-midfielders in the Portuguese top tier for headed shots, accurate long balls and aerial duels, according to Fotmob.

Furthermore, he demonstrated his ability at the back, ranking in the top three per cent of players in his position for defensive contributions and clearances.

How West Ham fans have reacted to Sa update

It is needless to say that Sa's apparent absence from Famalicao training has gone down well among some Hammers supporters.