West Ham United transfer news: Hammers reach 'key stages' of deal for Botafogo star

West Ham United are allegedly closing in on the signing of Botafogo goalkeeper John.

With Lukasz Fabianski's long-term stay at the London Stadium having come to an end, the Hammers are in need of a new stopper to compete with Alphonse Areola.

Earlier this week, there was the suggestion that Stoke City's Viktor Johansson was on the radar of Graham Potter ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign.

However, West Ham have also been heavily linked with the acquisition of John, who helped Botafogo win last season's Brasileiro title.

© Imago

West Ham make John progress

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have a verbal agreement in place ahead of getting a deal over the line.

A package worth €10m (£8.7m) is almost agreed with John having given the green light to a move to England.

Documents are said to be being checked at the present time before West Ham can finalise the transfer.

In just 18 months at the club, the 29-year-old has kept an incredible 36 clean sheets from 85 appearances in all competitions.

As well as keep 16 shutouts from 34 league games during 2024, John recently played four times at the Club World Cup, including keeping a clean sheet in a famous win over Paris Saint-Germain.

Nevertheless, Botafogo are allowing yet another of their star players to depart the club, Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus having already signed for Nottingham Forest over the last month.

© Imago

Important signing for West Ham?

Although Areola is likely to start the season between the sticks, John will feel that he will be provided with opportunities to impress.

West Ham have already made the notable additions of Kyle Walker-Peters, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Callum Wilson to strengthen at full-back and in attack.

Supporters are now hoping that at least two more players are signed for the final third given that £55m was generated through the sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur.