West Ham United 'were seriously interested in Darwin Nunez'

West Ham United were 'seriously interested' in signing Benfica forward Darwin Nunez during the January transfer window, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for his Portuguese club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 20 times in 25 appearances in all competitions, including 15 goals in 16 league outings.

According to Romano, West Ham made an offer of €48m (£40m) for the forward in the final stages of the January window, but Benfica told the Hammers that he was not for sale.

The journalist claims that 'many clubs' want to sign Nunez this summer, meaning that David Moyes's side will face intense competition for his signature if they make another move.

The Uruguay international, who still has three-and-a-half years left to run on his current contract, has scored 34 goals and registered 14 assists in 69 appearances for Benfica.

Despite being linked with a number of players over the course of the month, the Hammers failed to make a first-team signing during the January transfer window.