West Ham United are reportedly long-time admirers of Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu, but could have to rival Barcelona for his signature.
Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu
A report in the Daily Star has suggested that West Ham are plotting a summer bid for Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu after missing out on signing the 23-year-old on two previous occasions.
Deulofeu has spent the last two years on the books at Goodison Park – having enjoyed a loan spell previously – but seemed to fall out of favour under Ronald Koeman, who left the path clear for the Spaniard to move to Serie A giants AC Milan on loan during the January transfer window.
The Star reports that the Hammers are ready to offer the wide-man the chance to stay in the Premier League, having watched him closely and having made previous attempts to sign him.
However, they may have one of the continent’s biggest clubs as a rival for Deulofeu’s signature.
Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu in action with Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld
According to the Star, Barcelona have the option to sign the winger – who spent 12 years coming through the ranks at the Nou Camp – for just £10 million, having inserted a clause into the player’s contract when he moved to Merseyside.
Meanwhile, West Ham would have to pay £15.5 million if they hoped to land the Toffees man, the Star reports, but missing out to Barcelona would not necessarily mean the end of the chase.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
The Star adds that Barcelona may consider selling him or loaning him out should they decide to re-sign him, so the Irons can still hold out some hope about doing a deal if Barca win the first race.
While this season has been a struggle for Deulofeu, he has still impressed in the Premier League in the past – in the 2015/16 campaign, he scored twice and contributed eight assists in the top flight – so perhaps Slaven Bilic is optimistic about what he could be capable of if he gets the best out of him.
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