West Ham lead chase for Pato

Sport Mediaset is reporting that West Ham are in pole position to recruit Brazilian forward Pato from Corinthians.

The former AC Milan star will return to the club when his loan deal with Sao Paulo expires on 31 December, but chances are that he will not be remaining at Arena Corinthians.

Namely, it is believed that the league leaders do not have the money to afford the forward’s high wage any more and they will be forced to sell.

And while Pato’s agent has been in talks with Manchester United, it is believed that manager Louis van Gaal has no plans to lure the Brazilian to Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, English Premier League remains the most likely destination for the 26-year-old due to the fact that West Ham are keen on his services.

But, with Corinthians making it clear it would take around €25 million to sign the in-form attacker, the Hammers are clearly in for an uphill task.