West Ham struggling to boost attack after Leeds reject Raphinha bid

West Ham’s hopes of strengthening their attacking options have suffered another blow after Leeds turned down a bid for Raphinha.

David Moyes wants to add more depth to his squad before the transfer window shuts on Monday night and has funds available as he tries to boost his side’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. West Ham have spent the month hunting for a forward and had set their sights on Raphinha, who is enjoying an impressive season at Leeds.

It is thought that West Ham were prepared to pay a club-record fee for the Brazilian winger, who produced a dazzling display when Leeds beat Moyes’s side two weeks ago. However their attempts to sign Raphinha were knocked back, with Marcelo Bielsa adamant that the 25-year-old will not leave Elland Road this month, and it remains to be seen if the east Londoners return with a higher offer.

West Ham, who are in fifth, are under pressure to sign an attacking player. Michail Antonio is the only recognised centre-forward in their squad and has looked tired at times this season.

Antonio needs more support and while Raphinha usually plays on the right, Moyes thinks the Brazil international can play a number of roles. Moyes believes Raphinha can play in the same team as Jarrod Bowen, who plays on the right for West Ham.

West Ham also made an inquiry about Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick this month, but were told the Czech Republic forward is not for sale. The east London club have also looked at Blackburn’s Ben Brereton Díaz and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is unlikely to leave Goodison Park this month.

Moyes also wants a centre-back and has targeted Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car. However, West Ham would prefer to sign the Croatia defender on loan, with Marseille