West Ham United target Gabriel Barbosa has spoken out about his future after the Hammers were linked with a £20 million move.
There have been conflicting reports over Barbosa’s potential move to West Ham.
Just when it looked like Manuel Pellegrini’s interest in the Inter Milan striker was dead in the water there was talk a move was back on.
West Ham’s on-off move explained
Inter moved the goalposts over West Ham’s interest in the Brazilian last week.
West Ham recently initiated interest in Barbosa who is a friend and former teammate of Hammers hero Felipe Anderson.
Nicknamed Gabigol owing to his penchant for scoring, Barbosa has failed to establish himself at the San Siro.
But he shone when he returned to Santos on loan scoring 22 goals in 38 games.
‘West Ham option remains open’
There was new hope for West Ham this week when respected Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed the Hammers remain serious about a deal.
So serious in fact they are already exploring how likely Barbosa would be to secure the necessary work permit.
“The West Ham option remains open, as it will depend on the necessary work permit to play in the Premier League,” Di Marzio said on his website.
Barbosa speaks out on future
Now the player himself has broken the silence on his future in an interview with Panorama.
“Before any decision I want to speak with (Inter manager) Spalletti,” Barbosad told Panorama.
“I’ll be in Italy on January 7 for a meeting.
“I’d like a chance at Inter.”
That does not sound encouraging for West Ham.
But if Inter boss Spalletti tells Barbosa he does not have a future at the San Siro that may well open the door.
And Barbosa recently revealed he regularly speaks to Brazilian stars like Anderson about life and the football in England, read more.
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