On April 23rd, Record in Portugal reported Aston Villa and West Ham United are keen on signing Sporting’s Pedro Gonçalves in the summer window.
The Lions won the title this season and the winger was one of the key players under Rúben Amorim’s orders, scoring 18 goals and registering 16 assists from 47 games.
It’s no surprise the 25-year-old’s fine displays have caught the attention of Aston Villa and West Ham.
This weekend’s edition of Jornal de Notícias explains Unai Emery’s side and the Hammers ‘maintain their interest’ in the attacker, who can also operate in the middle of the pitch.
David Moyes will leave West Ham at the end of this season and recent claims have stated Julen Lopetegui will replace him, even though it hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Amorim was expected to leave the Portuguese club and West Ham were one of the clubs he was linked to. The report now states he will continue at Sporting and that’s a concern for Aston Villa and the Hammers, in the pursuit of Gonçalves.
It’s claimed Amorim has told Sporting president Frederico Varandas he doesn’t want Pedro Gonçalves going anywhere.
Gonçalves has a €80m release clause and if Aston Villa or West Ham are still keen, they have to activate his clause. In other words, a huge effort is needed from the Premier League duo.
