West Ham have been handed a potential transfer boost ahead of the January window after it emerged a key target will likely be available to acquire.
Sporting Lisbon winger Gonzalo Plata is reportedly set to be the subject of intensifying interest in the winter as he has fallen down the pecking order with the Portuguese giants, according to Record via Sport Witness.
It is claimed that the player is ‘opening the door’ to leaving the club, with the Irons among the principal suitors for Plata’s services. The Hammers are supposedly keen on bringing the winger to the London Stadium in an initial loan deal with the option to buy.
The 20-year-old Ecuador international has struggled for regular game-time with the Lions, having only played 64 minutes of first team football this term.
Interest in Plata’s services is believed to be high, with fellow Premier League club Newcastle United and Serie A side Napoli listed as other interested parties as the race for Plata’s signature looks set to intensify.
Record claimed that the Lisbon outfit will not let the winger leave for less than €20m – a fee which equates to around £18m.
In an added complicating factor to any deal, the employment rights of Plata are split 50-50 between Sporting and his original Ecuadorian side Independiente Del Valle, with Sporting said to be in active talks to buy out a greater share in the player’s ownership.
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Despite a lack of minutes, the winger’s record and young age offers both the strong potential to improve in the years ahead.
Although his record of four goals in 42 club games is not eye-catching, he has managed three goals in just eight senior caps with the Ecuador national team, and is adept on either flank. This does present an element of risk, but a loan move would be a chance to utilise the winger without any major financial commitment.
At less than £20m, Plata could prove to be a good investment, so long as he can meet the demands of the English game.
