Exclusive: West Ham Watching Flamengo Strike Duo at Club World Cup Ahead of January Transfer
By Ben Carter
West Ham have dispatched scouts to Qatar in order to watch strike duo Gabriel Barbosa and Bruno Henrique, who are both representing Flamengo at the Club World Cup.
Manuel Pellegrini's side have the joint-worst goal difference outside of the Premier League relegation zone and still haven't scored 20 goals this season. Sébastien Haller is the club's top goalscorer, but has registered just five goals this season after failing to make the expected impact since his £45m move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
West Ham want to provide some extra support for Haller and will look to make an attacking signing once the transfer window re-opens next month.
90min understands that Flamengo's Barbosa and Henrique have been identified as targets, and scouts have been dispatched to watch the pair in action at the Club World Cup.
Barbosa, who is also known by his nickname Gabigol, has been a long-term transfer target for West Ham. The 23-year-old is currently on loan at Flamengo after failing to impress at parent club Inter and the Brazil international is expected to complete a permanent move away from Italy next year.
His current loan spell ends on December 31, with Flamengo keen to conclude a permanent deal. His 34 goals and 11 assists make him a wanted man, and West Ham's interest remains strong.
The Hammers are also scouting Gabigol's teammate, Henrique. The 28-year-old finished as the top scorer in the Campeonato Carioca as Flamengo claimed their 35th title, while he was also named as the Player of the Year in Brazil.
Although he's older than Gabigol, West Ham believe Henrique will be able to make an immediate impact on their first-team.
The Brazil international was directly involved in 35 goals in just 46 appearances across all competitions last season and also scored Flamengo's winning goal in the Club World Cup semi-final against Al-Hilal, setting up a clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
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