West Ham now have 'definite interest' in £12m playmaker at London Stadium

West Ham United have a ‘definite interest’ in Lazaro and could look to tie up a late deal which would see the Flamengo star head to the London Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Hammers boss David Moyes, who is able to offer continental football after seeing his side qualify for the Europa Conference League group stage, may bolster his squad ahead of the 11pm deadline on September 1.

According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham were frustrated in their initial efforts to sign Lazaro as a verbal bid – worth £6million – was rejected by Brazilian giants Flamengo out of hand.

The transfer guru suggests the Hammers are facing competition from Belgian sides and they could be forced to fork out as much as £12million to win the race for the former Brazil under-17 international.

Flamengo president Marcos Braz has revealed that West Ham have been made aware of Lazaro’s price tag and the playmaker’s current employers are keen to retain his services.

It is understood that the two clubs are still locked in talks and the east Londoners are mulling over whether to table a second offer.

Flamengo are not necessarily under pressure to sell Lazaro as his contract is valid until March 2025, so West Ham will have to meet their demands if they want to sew up a deal ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

Jones has been made aware that West Ham are keen to bolster their squad with the addition of Lazaro.

The transfer insider, however, is unsure as to whether a deal for the attacking midfielder is progressing as the deadline nears.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t know much about that one in particular, but there does seem to be something in it.

“I texted one person that might know and he said there was definite interest, but he