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Italian giants Inter Milan appear to have moved the goalposts over West Ham United target Gabriel Barbosa.

West Ham recently initiated interest in the Brazilian striker who is a friend and former teammate of Hammers hero Felipe Anderson.

According to a Fabrizio Romano, who works for Sky Sports in Italy, the Hammers were serious about a deal for the forward.

The reporter 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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West Ham cash much needed for Inter

West Ham have been linked with a £20 million move for the Brazilian star – nicknamed Gabigol – who has just finished a season-long loan at Santos (Daily Mail).
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.

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Inter move goalposts, want players instead?

But a new report from Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte suggests Inter have moved the goalposts somewhat and now want promising young players in exchange rather than money.

Flamengo want Barbosa. And now Inter are said to want to send him there in order to take two of the Brazilian club’s players in exchange.

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The Italian club have been following both Lincoln and Reinier, and Flamengo could use them to lower the price.

There was some good news for West Ham in the report, though.

UOL Esporte stated that so far there have been no negotiations, which leaves the door open for the East Londoners to at least try and make the deal happen when the window opens tomorrow.

The player himself seems keen on a move to the Premier League.