West Ham United are close to agreeing a deal to bring young Manchester City winger Carlos Borges to the London Stadium on a permanent transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old Portuguese winger joined the Manchester City academy from Sporting’s youth set-up back in 2014 and has remained at the Etihad throughout his short career, yet the Citizens have agreed to a £14m fee for him to head to East London according to Romano.
David Moyes has reportedly been looking to strengthen his forward options and has also wanted to add more youth to his side and the signing of Borges ticks both boxes.
Taking to Twitter to explain the deal, Romano wrote: “West Ham are closing in on deal to sign Carlos Borges from Manchester City on permanent transfer. Verbal agreement in place for 2004 winger, fee around £14m.
“As always, Man City will include a buy-back clause into the deal. Details being finalised then here we go.”
West Ham seem to be entering a new era after winning the Europa Conference League and losing Declan Rice and thanks to the huge cash windfall they’ve had through the England international’s departure, they can grasp opportunities like this one.
Borges is at senior level a relatively unknown quantity, but in the City academy, he has been a formidable force, with the Manchester City website describing him as a direct player who loves to run at an opposing full-back and “cause damage” in the final third.
The young forward also possesses electric pace as well as an eye for goal and that description may remind some Hammers fans of Michail Antonio’s skillset, which could mean the Irons are covering themselves if the Jamaican international is to leave the London Stadium.
It also speaks of the value that Man City see in the Portuguese youth international that they have included a buy-back clause in the deal, although common practise by City, they don’t want to lose the opportunity to secure his services in the future.
In other West Ham news, Danny Ings could be one of three forwards to leave East London
