This week, there were claims from the English media that West Ham United are interested in Sporting star Pedro Gonçalves, who’s better known as Pote.
The report made quite some noise in the Portuguese press, as several newspapers are now covering the Hammers’ interest.
It turns out that as Record and O Jogo talk about this chase, they point out that West Ham would have some competition for the signing, as Aston Villa also want Pote and have done for a while.
Record recalls that they reported the Villans’ interest last year, as Unai Emery’s side wanted to pay up to €45m for the signing in the summer.
O Jogo is a little less direct, pointing out some clubs who were interested in the player last year, including Aston Villa, and saying Sporting had offers worth around €30m back then.
The Lions ‘closed the door’ to Pote’s exit at the time, and now they could see a fresh battle for his transfer.
It’s made clear that Aston Villa, West Ham or any other club would have a tough mission to get the player signed, though, as Sporting have him protected by a €80m release clause and don’t want to let him leave for a lot less than that.
