According to Brazilian outlet Lance (via Sport Witness), the Hammers have opened up talks with the club to sign Maia while also negotiating a deal for his teammate Luizão who is on the verge of signing for the London club in January.
However, they are not the only club interested in him as Fulham and Spurs are also said to be keen on signing him. The report claims that the talks between the club and Fulham for a €10m transfer have been undergoing for quite some time and that Fulham are in much advanced talks with the club.
It’s further said that the only reason a deal has not been agreed with Fulham yet is that they want the player as soon as January while Sao Paulo is trying to hold on to him till the summer.
The report adds that West Ham are having a tough time signing the midfielder because the Brazilian club does not want to begin talks with another club while already in advanced talks with Fulham.
Meanwhile, according to a report by 90min, Tottenham are also interested in signing the midfielder on loan deal which will allow them the option to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.
When speaking to the Brazilian website Sampi earlier this year, Sao Paulo chief Muricy Ramalho gave an insight on Maia as a player. He said:
“Pablo Maia plays as the (deep-lying) midfielder. He gives security to our defence. He has a good pass too. He’s not just about marking (opposition forwards). Nowadays, the midfielder has to play too, and he has a good pass. Of course, he does the simple things but he keeps the ball. He gives stability to Sao Paulo.”