West Ham set to seal deal for Gil Vicente’s Pablo | OneFootball

West Ham are on the verge of signing Gil Vicente forward Pablo in a £17million deal, as they look to strengthen a struggling attack.

The 21-year-old Brazilian has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Portugal, scoring 10 goals and helping his side to fourth in the Primeira Liga. He is seen as a top prospect, though the club acknowledge he may need time to adapt to the pace of English football.

The Hammers had been monitoring Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, but concerns over his £40m price tag and wage demands led them to focus on Pablo instead. The Brazilian, represented by Jorge Mendes - also the agent of West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo - is seen as a younger, more mobile option to lead the line.

West Ham are 18th in the Premier League, four points adrift of safety, and are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements. Pablo is expected to be their first major addition of the January transfer window, with Nuno receiving backing from the board despite recent poor results.

The club is also closing in on Fulham winger Adama Traoré, signalling a busy window as they fight to avoid relegation.