View: West Ham receive transfer boost in Gabriel Barbosa chase
West Ham may have just received a massive transfer boost in the race to sign Gabriel Barbosa.
According to reports from The Mirror, Newcastle United have shown interest in signing the in-form “exciting” Brazilian striker.
However, Barbosa is not convinced about joining the Magpies, despite the fact they have plenty of resources following the Saudi takeover.
Earlier this month, Eurosport reported that West Ham are exploring options to sign the 25-year-old striker in January on loan.
Popularly known as Gabigol, the striker is enjoying a rich vein of form in Brazil, having managed 14 goals and five assists for Flamengo.
The Brazilian club are willing to send him on loan in January provided it included a £17m option to sign him permanently. The Magpies are willing to pay, but the player is not keen to join them.
This could open the door for the Hammers who desperately need a striker in January. Michail Antonio is the club’s only striker and he needs support.
Ideally, Moyes would like someone who has got loads of Premier League experience, someone like Divock Origi.
Having said that, Gabigol is young, skilful, highly talented, and is in fantastic scoring touch. He would be looking to prove a point to himself in Europe after failing to shine during his brief spell at Inter Milan.
It remains to be seen whether West Ham now come up with a formal move for him. Barbosa could be tempted to join them, as the Hammers can offer him European football.
In other West Ham news, a former Hammer has returned to the club in a coaching role.