Report: West Ham trying to beat Barcelona to Yerry Mina capture

If it hasn't already, West Ham United's fax machine is in danger of overheating after entering a race with Spanish behemoth Barcelona to land Palmeiras and Colombia defender Yerry Mina, reports The Mirror's John Cross.

Various accounts suggest the Hammers have already lodged unsuccessful bids for Brentford's Scott Hogan, Hull City's Robert Snodgrass, and Sunderland's Jermain Defoe, but that hasn't deterred the club's brass from going toe to toe with Barcelona.

Related - Report: Brentford snubs West Ham's £12.5M bid for Scott Hogan

West Ham is exploring either a loan deal with an option to buy or a permanent switch, but recognises that pursuing the 22-year-old puts it in direct competition not only with Barcelona, but with various other outfits chasing honours at the top of the game, including Manchester City.

Back in October, Mina's agent and uncle Jair Mina claimed to have reached a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona, but revealed there was still an opportunity for other outfits to steal in and acquire the young centre-half.

"Yes, a pre-agreement was signed and there's the possibility that the kid goes to Barcelona," he claimed.

"It's only a pre-agreement, so there's still the chance that other teams (make an offer), so (a move to Barca) would depend on circumstances and the desire of the player. Other top European teams are interested."

Around that time, Mundo Deportivo estimated that Palmeiras had a €9-million buyout clause written into a contract which runs until 2020.