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Report explains why West Ham or Fulham won’t be signing Gabriel Barbosa

Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images
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Inter Milan flop Gabriel Barbosa was linked with Premier League duo West Ham United and Fulham before returning to Brazil with Fluminense.

Gabriel Barbosa of Santos reacts during the match between Fluminense and Santos as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Maracana Stadium on June 13, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

After months of speculation Gabriel Barbosa is not Premier League bound after all.

Calciomercato reported last week that West Ham United were in talks with Inter Milan about potentially signing the Brazilian striker, who flopped spectacularly after his £29.5 million move to the San Siro in 2016.

The report did add that obtaining a work permit could be a potential obstacle to Gabigol’s hopes of sealing a switch to English football – and it seemed this was a hurdle that none managed to get around.

Sky Sports have reported on Wednesday that work permit issues prevented West Ham from getting their man with the 22-year-old instead returning to Brazil, joining Fluminense on a one-year loan deal.

Gabriel spent last season at Santos, scoring a 18 goals to win the league’s Golden Boot award.

(L-R) Walace of Brazil, Gabriel Jesus of Brazil, Neymar of Brazil, Gabriel Barbosa of Brazil and Rafinha of Brazil celebrate with their gold medals following the Men's Football Final...

This will also leave Fulham frustrated with Goal reporting that the Cottagers were also hoping to bring the 2016 Olympic gold medallist to London. It was understood that Fulham were even willing to pay all of Gabriel’s wages in order to sweeten a deal with Inter Milan.

Claudio Ranieri, however, will be forced to rely upon Aleksander Mitrovic for the time being.

Gabriel of Santos vies for the ball against Diogo Barbosa of Palmeiras during a match between Santos and Palmeiras for the Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Pacaembu Stadium on July 19, 2018 in...