New Maxi Gomez hope for West Ham as Spanish reports claim Barcelona have failed with bid

The Hammers have been linked with a big money move for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez since January.

But the winter window came and went with the 22-year-old remaining in Spain.

West Ham pushed to the back of the queue

Reports since have claimed Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini was lining up a deal this summer instead.

West Ham looked to be out of the running just last week when the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool were cited as more likely destinations for the Uruguayan.

Pellegrini was left pursuing moves for Aleksandar Mitrovic and Salomon Rondon instead according to the likes of Football London.

That did not go down well with some Hammers fans, read full story here.

Hammers not giving up

Well-placed Hammers Twitter source and radio personality ExWHUemployee confirmed earlier this week that the Hammers are still trying to do a deal.

ExWHUemployee did move to temper any raised hopes, though, insisting it is still unlikely given the interest from elsewhere.

Yep I covered this on podcast (that West Ham remain interested in Gomez),” ExWHUemployee said.

“Until he joins someone else he is still an option but he does appear to be weighing up his options.”

And now Pellegrini has been given new hope after a report from Spain claimed Barcelona have failed in a bid to land Gomez on the cheap and will now move on to other targets.

According to Diario Sport quoting Radio Galega – and as also reported by Football Espana – Barca wanted to get Gomez for around £20millon, roughly half his reported release clause. The bid was rejected.

Hammers must pounce and pay up to progress

Ironically the Hammers appeared to be out of the race for their own reluctance to meet the £40 million clause.

The East Londoners have been given a second chance, though, and should pounce to try and land the Uruguayan with an offer more acceptable to Celta Vigo.

The fact remains that bigger clubs than West Ham are interested.

But none will be able to offer him guaranteed first team football except the Hammers.

There are likely to be many more twists and turns yet.