West Ham's bid to seal first Julen Lopetegui signing collapses

Flamengo vice-president Marcos Braz has confirmed defender Fabricio Bruno will stay at the club after West Ham’s move for the defender collapsed.

The Brazilian international looked likely to have become Julen Lopetegui’s first signing in east London after missing Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores win over Millonarios amid talks between the two clubs.

Hammers technical director Tim Steidten travelled to Brazil for talks with various clubs over potential targets amid an interest in Corinthians forward Wesley Gassova.

Standard Sport understands the Irons had been confident about a deal worth an initial £12.5m for Bruno – who made his international debut against England in March – with a potential further £2.5m coming by way of add-ons.

Negotiations over personal terms, however, hit a stumbling block and Braz has confirmed the 28-year-old will stay in Rio de Janeiro.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, he said: “It was a pleasant surprise for us. The money was good, but I prefer Fabrício here.

“For us, it changes absolutely nothing. Of course, the money would be good, we’d have to go to the market to buy another player, but there’s no problem. We’re very happy here, but we’re really happy that Fabrício Bruno is staying on.

“Flamengo listened to his agents, who are the people who look after Fabrício’s career. They told us that the player was interested in going to England. We sat down, as we do with everyone, and Flamengo made a deal with the team.

“Subsequently, there was no agreement between the club and the player. This is rare because usually when you come to talk to the club, the player’s situation is already advanced.”

West Ham are in talks with Palmeiras over a deal to sign 18-year-old forward Luis Guilherme, who played alongside Real Madrid-bound Endrick and Chelsea target Estevao Willian in an exciting frontline.

Experienced goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has also held discussions about joining the Hammers after the expiration of his contract at Sheffield United.