Rumoured West Ham transfer target Gonzalo Plata looks set to be made available for a move in the January transfer window as per reports from The Sun on Sunday [via The Boot Room].
The 20-year-old winger, who plays for Sporting CP in Portugal, was linked with the Hammers and fellow Premier League side Leicester in the summer but a deal failed to materialise.
David Moyes may face plenty of competition for the signature as two further Premier League clubs – Newcaslte and Brighton – have also been credited with an interest in a loan-to-buy move.
The Ecuador international, who has three goals in his first eight senior caps, has struggled to see much first team action this season, playing just 62 minutes in the Portuguese top flight.
On Saturday, the youngster, who is valued at £3.5m by Transfermarkt, was left out of the matchday squad altogether for Sporting’s 2-1 victory over Moreirense – unsurprisingly leading to more speculation over his immediate future.
After admitting his desire to play in the Premier League to Portuguese outlet Adaptación in the summer, the Hammers could be tempted to make their interest known in the near future.
Capable of playing behind the striker or on either wing, Plata is an exciting prospect who offers plenty in an array of positions. He is a strong dribbler who has eight goal involvements thus far in his fledgling club career.
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Whilst another winger is likely to be relatively low on Moyes’ January priority list, the availability of Plata – especially on favourable terms – could sway the manager into a move for the youngster.
However, the arrival of any additional wingers at London Stadium would almost certainly spell the end of the road for one of either Robert Snodgrass or Andriy Yarmolenko at West Ham.
Said Benrahma is yet to make his full debut for the Irons, so the possibility of signing another winger seems farfetched – although the longevity of Plata’s potential could be too good to dismiss.
