United remain very much in the race for Club World Cup hero despite West Ham’s relentless pursuit – report

A goalkeeper signing is one of the moves Manchester United fans are expecting as the transfer deadline approaches.

After what they endured last season, bringing in a new shot-stopper would send a clear signal that the club intends to reclaim its competitive edge.

Almost every top goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, one of them being Botafogo’s John Victor.

Victor is a goalkeeper on the rise; the 29-year-old seems to have hit his prime.

Last year, he guided Botafogo to a league double and the Copa Libertadores.

This summer, he put in a heroic performance at the Club World Cup, helping his side beat Paris Saint-Germain 1–0.

His rise has not gone unnoticed, with a host of Premier League clubs circling.

Alongside United, West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Everton are all keen.

But it is the Hammers who appear to be pushing hardest for the Brazilian.

West Ham submits an improved offer

Last week, the London side tabled an £8 million opening bid for the player, which was swiftly rejected.

So desperate are the London side to get the deal over the line that Football Insider now reveals:

“West Ham have submitted an improved second bid for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor of £10million… they are “confident” a full agreement can now be reached.”

Amid the Hammers’ new bid, one might wonder about the truth behind the bargain release clause.

Well, BolaVip shed light on the situation, revealing that the goalkeeper’s actual asking price is £10 million (despite earlier claims of a £5.9 million release clause).

So, is there hope that Man United can hijack Victor’s potential London Stadium switch?

While West Ham’s new bid should leave United fans worried, worried that another perfect signing is slipping through their fingers, an interesting revelation by Caught Offside should offer hope for a hijack.

“Man United remain very much in the race and are prepared to match Victor’s release clause should they decide to formalise their interest,” Caught Offside reveals.

“United are yet to submit an official offer but remain engaged in background discussions and are assessing the situation closely.”

Yes, United monitoring the Victor situation is comforting, but surely it is time they acted.

If they do not, they will have only themselves to blame.

United were well in the picture for the goalkeeper even before West Ham entered the race.

The allure of playing at the Theatre of Dreams should be hugely appealing to the Brazilian keeper.

If INEOS are convinced about Victor, they should swiftly move in and strike a deal for the shot-stopper who recently proved his class against Europe’s best.

Who knows? Perhaps the goalie is waiting for them, but if they take too long, he might commit to the Graham Potter project.

For some, a chance to move to the Premier League is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Feature image Buda Mendes via Getty Images

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