According to reports on Football.London, West Ham United are ready to battle Premier League rivals Watford in the race to sign £8m-rated Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio, if a move for Joe Hart fails to materialise.

Irons manager Slaven Bilic is looking to sign a new stopper this summer and Football.London say that Manchester City keeper Hart is his top target, but the England international’s wage demands could see the Croatian turn his attentions elsewhere.

Rui Patricio has emerged as a potential signing as he could be available for around £8m despite having five years remaining on his Sporting contract – the club that he has spent his entire career at – and he is certainly highly-rated after helping Portugal win Euro 2016 last summer.

West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the transfer rumour via social media and the majority would certainly be keen on a deal having seen his performances for Sporting and Portugal, with others saying he would be the gamble if he is going to cost just £8m.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…