As part of their search for a new striker, West Ham United have inquired about Rio Ave's 26-year-old Brazilian forward Clayton, who is the top scorer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with 10 goals and 2 assists in 13 appearances this season. The club intends to sign a forward in the new year as they prepare for the departure of Niclas Fullkrug. West Ham's recruitment efforts, which also include an assessment of Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli, are part of a strategy to operate effectively in the transfer market, and sources indicate that a number of other new options are also being considered for a January shortlist. Clayton joined the Portuguese club in July 2025 and has a contract until June 2029. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €6.00m.