West Ham’s interest in Gabriel Barbosa is legitimate, according to a report from Claret and Hugh.
Multiple reports over the last few months have linked the Hammers, as well as other Premier League clubs, with the Brazilian striker owned by Inter Milan.
The 23-year old forward has scored goals for fun during his loan spell with Flamengo, having notched 43 times in 58 games for the Brazilian club, subsequently attracting plenty of attention from other clubs.
Barbosa, known as Gabigol, is unlikely to return to Inter following his loan spell and West Ham have lined him up as a potential recruit.
The Hammers could do with additional firepower up front, and Barbosa’s goalscoring record speaks for itself, suggesting that he could be the perfect man for the job at the London Stadium.
FC Inter News claim that the striker could be available for just £18.6million in January.
Crystal Palace, Schalke, Flamengo and Real Valladolid are also said to be interested, while Everton were heavily linked in the past.
Read West Ham Verdict
Gabigol certainly fits the bill as the ideal player to increase the Hammers’ squad depth, with the club having struggled for consistency up top this season.
Unfortunately for West Ham fans, ‘real’ interest is still far from landing the player, and the club will still face strong competition for the forward’s signature.
Should they land the Brazilian though, he could look to boost Manuel Pellegrini’s position as Hammers boss, should he still be in charge by the end of January.
