Report: West Ham United in pole position to sign Brazil midfielder Bernard

​West Ham United have reportedly earmarked Brazil midfielder Bernard as a summer transfer target.

The 25-year-old is available on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk, having spent five years with the Ukrainian outfit.

Portuguese media outlet O Jogo claims that Benfica were leading the race for Bernard's signature, but the Hammers have since edged ahead of the Primeira Liga side.

The report suggests that West Ham have offered Bernard a signing-on bonus of €7m (£6.2m) and a yearly salary of €4m, approximately £68,000 per week.

Bernard spent five years at Shakhtar, scoring 28 goals and registering 35 assists in 157 appearances.