Barcelona are reportedly ready to rival West Ham in attempting to sign Celta Vigo forward Maxi Gomez in the summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 22-year old Uruguay international is the Catalan giants’ top striker target ahead of next season.
With Luis Suarez having struggled for form this season, and without another natural centre forward, Barça are looking to bring in more firepower.
Along with Gomez, the club are also keeping tabs on Benfica forward Luka Jović (on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach) and AC Milan striker André Silva, currently on loan with Sevilla.
According to the report, Barça would prefer Gomez, who scored 17 goals in 36 La Liga games for Celta Vigo last season, and has notched a further nine this campaign.
West Ham however still remain firmly in pursuit, despite having backed out of a deal in January after baulking to Gomez’ £80,000-a-week wage demands.
The Hammers had still hoped to pursue a move this summer, when the club would have more money at their disposal to spend on the forward.
Gomez is expected to cost £43.5million.
