West Ham United face a massive battle for Boca Juniors midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme.

The Daily Mail says agent Barry McIntosh revealed the Hammers were ahead of four other Barclays Premier League clubs, while there was also a lucrative offer on the table from Qatar.

Flamengo are understood to have offered him a two-and-a-half year deal worth £45,000 a week, while fellow Brazilian side Cruzeiro, Mexico's Atlas, and Buenos Aires side Racing Club de Avellaneda have also registered their interest.

Boca Juniors have not given up hope on him signing a new contract, but Riquelme is ready to take a better-paid move after three years of letting his heart rule his head on low wages.

The former Villarreal star almost signed for Everton three years ago, while Tottenham have also been linked.

Despite being one of the most gifted players in his homeland, Riquelme missed out on the World Cup after declaring he wouldn't play for Argentina while Diego Maradona was in charge.