West Ham have been running the rule over Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes ahead of a possible move for the Portugal international, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim in their live transfer blog (22/01, 14:34) that the Hammers have been weighing up a number of midfield targets, with Gomes on David Moyes’ list of possible signings.
The Mail report however that Spanish giants Barcelona only want to sell Gomes for a fee of £30million, and the Hammers would prefer a loan deal for the 24-year-old.
As previously reported by The Telegraph, Gomes is on the radar of West Ham’s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have been linked with the midfielder since the summer.
Good move for West Ham?
This would be a stunning coup for West Ham, for two reasons.
Firstly, to secure a midfielder that has been playing for Barcelona while the club are embroiled in a relegation fight would be an incredible move.
Secondly, if West Ham were to secure Gomes, they would scupper the reported plans of rivals Spurs, who have been rumoured with a move for the midfielder since the summer.
In footballing terms, Gomes would be a brilliant acquisition, with West Ham in dire need of a player who can boss the midfield week in week out.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it.
Barcelona are said to want £30million for Gomes, and there is no way that West Ham would pay that much.
The Hammers only seem keen for a loan, and it is unlikely that the Blaugrana will entertain such a deal.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10