West Ham have held talks over the signing of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa with the Brazilian, who is nicknamed ‘Gabigol’, keen on a move to England.
Barbosa is one of a number of strikers West Ham are looking at in this January’s transfer window, although the 25-year-old is interesting three other Premier League clubs.
‘Gabigol’ has scored 104 goals in 147 games for Brazilian side Flamengo but wants to play in the Premier League as he feels it would give him the best chance to cement his place as Brazil’s starting striker at this year’s World Cup in Qatar. He has won 17 international caps to date, scoring five times.
The former Inter Milan forward watches all of West Ham’s games and is said to be impressed with the job David Moyes is doing.
The Hammers are pushing for Champions League qualification with Moyes’ side fifth in the league, a point off the top four while they are also looking forward to a Europa League last-16 knockout tie in March.