Sky Sports News told the next 72 hours are crucial in discussions
Tuesday 7 January 2020 22:15, UK
West Ham United and Benfica are in continued negotiations over the signing of midfielder Gedson Fernandes, with both parties still hopeful of concluding a deal.
Personal terms are not expected to be a problem but some conditions of the deal have yet to be agreed including the option price.
The deal under consideration is an 18-month loan with an option to buy, with David Moyes looking to make his first signing since returning to the club in December.
It is understood that both clubs and the player's representatives remain hopeful a deal can still be done. Sky Sports News have been told the next 72 hours are crucial in discussions.
Fernandes favours a move to the Premier League and his preferred destination is understood to be the London Stadium for family reasons.
Fernandes' release clause is £102m but Benfica have conceded they will not get close to that figure for a player who is out of favour and is reported to have fallen out with head coach Bruno Lage.
Sky Sports will bring you the very latest news from the January transfer market with the return of three shows.
Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. Then join us at 7pm for the definitive round-up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.
Meanwhile, the Transfer Talk podcast will also be back at the turn of the year with more expert analysis from here and across the continent.
And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.