Journalist says 59-goal 'phenomenon' would be 'keen' to join West Ham after offer made

Taking to social media, 90min reporter Graeme Bailey has shared a West Ham United transfer update as their offer for Leeds United star Raphinha gets rejected.

Over the past two days, big reports emerged of West Ham’s offer to sign the Brazil international in what was a surprise late January window move.

Insider Claret & Hugh had broken news that big bids were lodged by the Hammers, all of which were turned down, though mystery surrounded who exactly they were made for.

90min now believe one of them was a sky high £50m for Raphinha – but it has been swiftly rejected as Leeds aim to keep hold of their South American star.

In an update, however, reporter Bailey has made an intriguing claim.

According to the reporter, Leeds’ attacker actually ‘would be keen’ on a move to West Ham as the club’s £50m approach is knocked back.

However, he has also ‘loved his time’ at Elland Road and would only green-light a move with their ‘blessing’.

Given this news, it isn’t impossible to think that West Ham could come back in for Raphinha in the summer when there is more time to orchestrate an agreement.

There is little doubting, from our perspective, that the 25-year-old is certainly worth breaking West Ham’s transfer record to sign.

Racking up a career-total of 59 goals, Brazilian international teammates Emerson Royal and Gabriel Magalhaes both believe he is a ‘phenomenon‘ – as they stated on Instagram (via Subhankar Mondal).

However, after their £50m bid was rejected, a West Ham move for Raphinha could be a very difficult to pull off and it will be interesting to see just how far they could go to back manager David Moyes.

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham eye 11th hour move for 82-goal striker as ‘another name’ emerges, find out more