West Ham are actively trying to offload midfielder Luis Guilherme seven months after paying £25million for the Brazilian, talkSPORT understands.

They are also interested in Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, while Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is Graham Potter’s first choice for the striker’s berth.

3

3

The Hammers are currently in negotiations with Saudi Arabian dealmakers regarding the potential sale of Guilherme. Guilherme was brought in from Brazilian side Palmeiras last summer under the direction of sporting director Tim Steidten, who is currently facing criticism.

West Ham are also open to offers for winger Maxwel Cornet, who has spent the first half of the season on loan at Southampton.

Guilherme is among several players signed by Steidten who have not met expectations. Similarly, Niklas Fullkrug, another player who did not impress, could soon be replaced by Fulham’s Muniz. Fullkrug is now sidelined for the long term due to an Achilles injury.

The 23-year-old striker Guilherme has netted only four goals this season. However, he has built a reputation as a player who performs in critical matches, with three of these goals scored against top-tier teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

Yet Potter is more keen on Ferguson, who debuted under him at Brighton and now looks like he may be available due to a lack of minutes under Fabian Hurzeler.

Guilherme, meanwhile, has made just six appearances for West Ham’s first team since joining, all of which were as a substitute for 18 minutes or less at the end of matches.

The 18-year-old only debuted for Palmeiras in 2023, recording one goal and two assists across two seasons and 32 matches.

The 2023 Brazilian Serie A champions have become a hotbed for talent, with Real Madrid signing history maker Endrick, Chelsea getting Estevao Willian, and now Manchester City are looking to bring in Vitor Reis.

Yet it appears that West Ham don’t have the patience for Guilherme, which isn’t a good look for Steidten.

As talkSPORT previously reported, German sporting director Steidten is already under pressure for a poor summer window and the decision to hire Julen Lopetegui.

3

Lopetegui was an expensive dismissal at the start of January as West Ham replaced him with Graham Potter.

And Lopetegui wasn’t the only summer signing unable to shine, with Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville and Fullkrug all making little impact so far.

Discussing a series of poor management decisions, Hammers legend Tony Cottee didn’t hold back when speaking to talkSPORT.

“I think they should hang their heads in shame; Tim Steidten and David Sullivan and the board because it’s just a pathetic appointment,” he said of the drama over Lopetegui’s departure.

“They should never have done it in the first place. It was just so the wrong appointment.

“You can blame Lopetegui. He’s been poor, he’s made bad decisions tactically, he’s been all over the place, they’ve spent lots of money.

“Defensively, God knows how many goals they’ve conceded, but Tim Steidten is the director of football.

“David Sullivan’s in charge of the football side of things. From the board’s point of view, they’ve got to take responsibility. They can’t keep making these stupid mistakes.

“If you’re gonna change the manager and get rid of what was one of the most successful managers in West Ham’s history in terms of winning the trophy, you’ve got to make the right appointment.”

talkSPORT BET Offer

Bet £10 On The Premier League And Get £30 In Free Bets

CLAIM HERE

T&Cs: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Check out all the best free bets and offers from talkSPORT and our partners