West Ham agree 'deal in principle' to sign Gedson Fernandes | OneFootball

West Ham have agreed to sign Benfica’s Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan deal with no option to buy, according to Sky Sports.

The Hammers had reportedly originally made an offer to loan the 21-year-old for 18 months with an obligation to buy for £33m.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also understood to have made a loan offer with a £55m option to buy.

But it seems Benfica believe the midfielder still has a future in Lisbon and they would prefer a straight loan to a club where he is likely to get regular playing time.

The Portugal international has a release clause of £102m but he is currently out of favour at Benfica after falling out with coach Bruno Lage.

According to reports, the Primeira Liga club decided at a board meeting on Thursday to accept West Ham’s offer but it remains to be seen whether a counter-offer will come in from Chelsea or elsewhere.