West Ham are lining up an ambitious move for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes before Thursday’s transfer deadline, sources close to the Premier League club have told ESPN FC.
West Ham have switched their attentions to Gomes after ending their interest in his Portugal international colleague William Carvalho as Sporting Lisbon priced them out of a move.
Barcelona are willing to listen to offer for Gomes, who joined from Valencia last summer, as he does not figure in new manager Ernesto Valverde’s plans.
The 24-year-old made only 17 starts in La Liga last season and he has made only one appearance this season in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid.
Italian champions Juventus have shown an interest in signing Gomes, but West Ham are hoping to lure the midfielder to the Premier League.
West Ham are looking to strengthen their midfield options before the close of the transfer window after losing their opening three league games of the season.
Peter O’Rourke is ESPN FC’s transfer news correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @SportsPeteO.