West Ham have pushed ahead of Crystal Palace in the race for Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa.
The Brazilian has spent the last season on loan with Flamengo, reigniting his career with 34 goals in 43 games for the Brazilian club.
That form has attracted interest from Europe, with several suggestions that he could be on his way to the Premier League.
Crystal Palace and West Ham have both been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, but it appears the Hammers are now leading the race.
Tuttosport report that Inter have failed to reach an agreement with Flamengo over a permanent move for the Brazilian, with negotiations at a ‘standstill’.
The player isn’t that keen on a return to Brazil permanently and is instead ‘looking to the Premier League’.
However, it’s not the first time the Hammers have been linked with a move, with regular reports about a deal over the last month.
Indeed, earlier today we covered claims from FC Inter News that West Ham are ‘strong’ on the striker and a move to England tempted him.
Their information backs up that offered by Tuttosport, suggesting there is plenty of fire behind this particular plume of smoke.
