West Ham have opened talks to sign a new target in Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, according to journalist Venê Casagrande.

The Lowdown: Hammers make moves...

As manager David Moyes continues his battle for both Premier League survival and to save his job, there have been no shortage of transfer links as the January transfer deadline looms.

West Ham have just completed the signing of striker Danny Ings from Aston Villa after rapid movement in the last two days, giving Moyes a real boost in his search for more firepower.

The Hammers are also believed to chasing Lorient striker Terem Moffi, who has scored a brilliant 12 goals in 17 Ligue 1 starts this campaign.

The search for a central defender is also well and truly on with a few names already being offered to West Ham, according to insider ExWHUemployee.

The Latest: West Ham open Roque talks...

Now, as per reporter Casagrande, a Brazilian correspondent, West Ham are currently in 'conversations' with Athletico Paranaense over the signing of Roque.

The forward is currently playing at the South America Under-20 Championship in Colombia for his country but the east Londoners apparently want him on loan with an option to buy.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-uodates/" title="West Ham latest updates!" poster="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-david-moyes-premier-league-scaled-1.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

Casagrande explained:

"West Ham are interested in Athletico's Vitor Roque, who is currently playing in the South American Under-20 Championship in Colombia. The English team wants the attacker on loan and with a purchase obligation. Values come close to € 20 million between fixed and variable payments."

The reporter also went on to state:

"Athletico would also keep a percentage of the future sale of striker Vitor Roque, as they did with Betis, from Spain, in the sale of left-back Abner. Conversations in progress."

The Verdict: Steal...

Attempting to sign Roque under these conditions would be a real snip for West Ham going by the 17-year-old's stunning reputation.

The attacker is seen as one of Brazil's young jewels alongside the likes of Endrick, who has just signed for Real Madrid, and recent reports claim Roque has been attracting similar attention.

AS say Chelsea, PSG, Barcelona and Real have all been keeping tabs on the teenager, who is described as 'brash', 'electric' and 'fighting'.

Clearly standing out as one of Brazil's rising stars, he has also been likened to Endrick for his playing style, making this possible loan move a very attractive proposition.

Also called 'very impressive' by ESPN editor David Cartlidge, who has been blown away by his performances for the Brazil Under-20s in recent games, it's clear why West Ham are attempting a move.