West Ham in pole position to sign Brazilian attacker

West Ham United are reportedly plotting their eighth signing of the summer transfer window with Bernard the latest player on their radar.

The Hammers have been pretty active during the summer with around £85m spent on seven recruits and they are now weighing up a move for Bernard.

According to O Jogo, the Hammers are looking into a move for the Brazil international, who is available on a free after the expiry of his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Benfica were said to be leading the race for his signature earlier in the month but O Jogo now claims that the Hammers have jumped ahead with the promise of a better wage package and signing-on fee.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are prepared to offer the Brazilian with a bonus in the region of £6m upon joining them in addition to a weekly salary of around £68,000 per week.

Bernard was one of the key performers for Shakhtar last term as they progressed beyond the Champions League group stage. He notched 28 goals and registered a further 35 assists during his five seasons at the club.