West Ham might want to take encouragement from the latest report by Sky’s [transfer](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfer-news/) expert Tim Vickery.
The London-born authority on South American football has been speaking on [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/) about West Ham’s next move following the sale of Edson Álvarez.
Vickery was asked about the Mexican’s on/off move and The Hammers’ plans to replace him. Whilst confirming what everybody already knows — that the Irons are trying to offload Álvarez — he also revealed West Ham’s interest in Chelsea’s Andrey Santos.
The youngster only just arrived at Stamford Bridge and came off the bench in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace. He was previously loaned to Strasbourg, but Chelsea also took him to the Club World Cup for experience. However, the 21-year-old Brazilian international — capped twice — has a €40m buyout clause in his contract and is believed to be seeking first-team football.
Wishful thinking on West Ham’s part? Perhaps. It certainly feels like an unrealistic target given the club’s botched attempts at fixing Graham Potter’s midfield so far.
And with reports that Potter won’t be allowed to spend until the Álvarez deal is completed, it’s hard to see where **West Ham** suddenly find a spare €40m anytime soon.