West Ham United have initiated interest in Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa a friend and former teammate of Hammers hero Felipe Anderson.
That’s according to a well placed journalist working for Sky Sports Italia.
West Ham have been linked with a £18 million move for the Brazilian star – nicknamed Gabigol – who has just finished a season-long loan at Santos (Daily Mail).
Last night Fabrizio Romano, who works for Sky Sports in Italy, said on Twitter: “West Ham asked for Gabigol. He’s back to Inter after Santos-loan. Many Premier League clubs have made inquiry for the Brazilian, but West Ham are going to start talks soon.”
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The striker is highly rated and shone for Santos last term with 22 goals in 38 games.
And the Serie A giants will more likely sell fringe players like Barbosa than risk losing stars such as Mauro Icardi.
Injury-hit Pellegrini needs reinforcements
Manuel Pellegrini has already stated he will be looking to bring in players in January with a central midfielder and striker the priority after a spate of injuries robbed the Hammers of a host of key players.
Barbosa played with West Ham hero Felipe Anderson in his first spell at Santos.
Gabigol was snapped up by Inter while Anderson earned a move to Serie A rivals Lazio.
If West Ham push through the move the pair could be reunited in East London come January.
Anderson and Barbosa reunited in East London?
Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini needs to bolster his options in January as he nurses a Premier League-worst injury list which now includes talisman Marko Arnautovic.
Barbosa himself has suggested he is ready to talk to interested clubs over a January move to the Premier League (Football Italia).
Barbosa recently dropped a big hint he could be influenced by his former Santos teammate Anderson. The pair – pictured in the Brazil squad together above – remains close friends.
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