West Ham United may not have a game today but they can see how their prime January striker target fares against the best the Premier League has to offer.
West Ham were meant to be playing Liverpool today.
But the game has been postponed due to Jurgen Klopp’s side playing in the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar.
Ironically, though, Hammers fans will have a keen interest in Liverpool’s final against Brazilian side Flamengo.
Hammers target Barbosa live on BBC
The match, which is live on BBC, will showcase the talents of West Ham’s big January transfer target Gabriel Barbosa.
The forward has scored an astonishing 43 goals in 58 games for Flamengo this year while on loan from Inter Milan.
West Ham have a long-standing interest in Barbosa.
Report claims West Ham interest is genuine
His agent revealed the Hammers wanted to sign him in January before he sealed a move back to his native Brazil (FC Inter News).
That loan deal expires on December 31st and the FIFA Club World Cup final against Liverpool could be Barbosa’s farewell match with Inter preparing to sell him in January (Football Italia).
Claret and Hugh, which regularly claims to have a top level inside source at West Ham – believed to be co-owner David Sullivan – revealed the club’s interest in Barbosa is very real.
TV trial for Gabigol
Barbosa would give West Ham just what they are missing alongside record signing Sebastien Haller.
After his amazing goalscoring heroics, Flamengo wanted to make the deal permanent.
But the Brazilian side are not able to compete with the financial power of European clubs.
West Ham would only have to part with £18.5million to land the star, who will demand £80,000 per week in wages (FC Inter News).
Can he cut it in the Premier League?
Well Saturday’s game against Liverpool could give West Ham an indication ahead of the January transfer window.
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