Lucas Pratto
Lucas Pratto’s name had been linked with the Hammers earlier in January, but nothing materialized on that front. The 28-year old had an impressive year with Atletico Mineiro and has become a regular in the Argentine national setup.
Pratto moved to Atletico Mineiro in 2015 and has been in terrific form for his team. The Argentine has netted a total of 41 goals in 101 appearances for the Brazilian side, 19 of which have come in the past year. On the back of his impressive performances, Pratto recently broke into the Argentine National Team and has impressed on the international stage as well.
Strong and well-built, Pratto holds up the ball well and can bring the wide players into the game and can also be a target man for the Hammers. And big as he is, he also possesses a decent turn of pace and can prove to be a difficult customer to deal with in and around the box.
Thiago Maia
The 19-year old Maia has become a vital cog in the midfield for Santos over the last two years. Someone who epitomizes giving their complete on the pitch, he has become known for leaving everything on the pitch and at times has had to be carried off the field at the end of the games. And not because of injuries, but because he has spent every ounce of energy and just can’t move anymore.
Maia broke into the Santos’ first-team in 2015 and has notched up 51 appearances. A relentless worker in the middle of the park, the young defensive midfielder breaks down his opponents’ plays and recycles the ball for the creative forces in the team to take over.
A no-nonsense, tough tackling midfielder, Maia also has the ability to open up play with his keen eye for a pass. A solid operator in the middle of the park, the 19-year old brings a steeliness to the midfield and also has an immense technical ability and is billed to achieve great heights.