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William Carvalho to West Ham: What we know so far

Carvalho is set to leave Sporting for the Hammers: Getty Images
Carvalho is set to leave Sporting for the Hammers: Getty Images

West Ham are set to break their transfer record for a second time this summer as Slaven Bilic closes in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.

The Hammers have already brought in Javier Hernandez, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Sead Haksabanovic this summer, but are without a point in their opening two Premier League games.

Bilic's defence has been exposed far too many times this season already, and Portugal international Carvalho would offer more protection in a holding midfield role as the east London club look to climb the table.

Here's what we know so far...


Is the deal close?

(West Ham United via Getty Images)
(West Ham United via Getty Images)

Talks are on-going between West Ham and Sporting over a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder, who is keen on the move to England.

But with just over a week to go before the transfer window closes, there remains a gap between the clubs' respective valuations.


How much will he cost?

(Bongarts/Getty Images)
(Bongarts/Getty Images)

That gap between the clubs' valuations stands at £5million, with West Ham still some way off Sporting's £38m asking price.

Slaven Bilic said on Tuesday that the Hammers are "still waiting" on the deal, but are ready to both buy and sell "in case something good comes on a plate".


What is West Ham's budget?

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

The Hammers have already spent some serious money this summer, with a club-record £23m deal for Marko Arnautovic and a £16m outlay on Javier Hernandez.

Co-chairman David Gold and David Sullivan have given Bilic the green light to sign Carvalho, and a deal is still likely despite the difference in valuations.


Is he good enough?

( Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
( Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)

Bilic’s aim is to see pair Carvalho in midfield Cheikhou Kouyate to offer his defence more protection, with Mark Noble the likely casualty.

Carvalho is not much of a goalscorer, but he was a key player as Portugal won Euro 2016 and impressed in the final with a possession-based performance against France.

The 25-year-old has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and a host of other Premier League clubs in the past, though suitors were wary of his high price tag considering his age.

However, the inflation of the transfer market has done little to Carvalho's value. While £38m would represent a club-record deal for West Ham, the midfielder will soon be worth far more if he makes an early impression in the Premier League.