Overview

• West Ham United lodged a formal €8m bid for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, representing their most substantial approach this summer.
• John Victor has told Botafogo he prefers a move to the Premier League, accelerating advanced negotiations with the Brazilian club.
• Manchester United remain ready to trigger Victor’s release clause after monitoring his standout performances at the FIFA Club World Cup.
• Everton and Galatasaray have also pursued the 29-year-old with credible approaches, setting up a multi-club contest before the window closes.
• The Hammers view Victor as a long-term solution following Lukasz Fabianski’s exit and Alphonse Areola’s inconsistent performances.