Exclusive: West Ham chasing in-form striker one year after club confirmed £14m bid, Newcastle keen too

West Ham United are pursuing Brazil international striker Yuri Alberto again with Premier League rivals Everton, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United also keen on the Corinthians hotshot.

• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

After seeing potential moves to England’s top flight collapse in each of the last three transfer windows, Yuri Alberto may be hoping it is fourth time lucky as the winter sets in.

The once-capped Brazil ace could have joined Wolves in January 2024, while Southampton also came close in the summer just gone.

TBR understands that Southampton walked away from a potential £17 million deal for Yuri Alberto due to the finances involved and a lack of space in Russell Martin’s squad. Now, with The Saints scoring the fewest goals of any Premier League team, it would come as little surprise to see the play-off winners target a centre-forward again at the next available opportunity.

Though, as things stand, Southampton are yet to renew their interest in YuriAlberto.

TBR have been told that Newcastle United, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Brentford and long-time admirers West Ham are, however, keeping a close eye on the one-time Zenit St Petersburg man.

West Ham United once again chasing Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto

Yuri Alberto may be a familiar name to Hammers fans, and with good reason.

West Ham failed with a £14 million bid for Alberto back in 2023, as confirmed by Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves.

“I had an offer from West Ham for 16 million euros,” Alves said at the time. “And we didn’t do it (the deal).” 

TBR have been told that Alberto may now be available on loan, however, which should appeal to his growing throng of English-based admirers. Especially a West Ham side mindful of potential Profit and Sustainability Issues that could arise after a summer of heavy spending.

Despite beating Manchester United in what would prove to be Erik ten Hag’s final game in charge, the number nine role remains a problematic one for the claret-and-blues.

Former Dortmund hitman Niklas Fullkrug has endured a miserable start in England and has now picked up an injury. Michail Antonio is not getting any younger. Danny Ings, meanwhile, is little more than an expensive back-up.

West Ham would ideally like to move Ings on in the New Year. But should the former England international again refuse offers from elsewhere – he turned down a return to the aforementioned Southampton over the summer – Julen Lopetegui is likely to be restricted to short-term, quick fixes.

Alberto may be open to January move after Southampton came close in summer

Yuri Alberto is a man in fine form.

He has six goals in his last six appearances, though this has not been enough to help boost Corinthians’ relegation fears. One of the most historic clubs in Brazilian football remain only one point above the drop zone while Alberto’s excellent displays not enough to offset their failings elsewhere.

Alberto was reluctant to leave Corinthians for Southampton mid-season. But with the Brazilian league season running throughout the calendar year and finishing in five weeks’ time, a January departure is likely to appeal especially if his side cannot escape the drop.

“I had,” Alberto said recently asked if he’d shown interest in joining Southampton over the summer. “There was a time where I really wanted [to leave]. But we had an internal conversation here. I really appreciate everyone’s support, including the president’s. [He has] a lot of faith in my work.

“[I stayed] because of the trust everyone had in me. That is very important. Many times, when you are going through a difficult period, you let your guard down a little but these people gave me positive energy.

“[They said] ‘Wow, Yuri, we know what you are capable of’. That is what made me stay.”