London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are set for a summer transfer tussle over Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, as per Spanish outlet Sport. 

While the Portuguese international would likely be a cover player in North London, at West Ham, he could help usher in a new wave of younger, more expansive footballers to take the club towards where they want to be, in a style that pleases the fans.

What's the story, then?

The report claims that this is not the first interest West Ham have taken in the 24-year-old; the Hammers tried to sign him last summer.

Gomes is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt but reportedly has a Nou Camp contract until 2021 and a release clause of 100 million euros.

The deal that brought him to Catalonia from Valencia could apparently rise to as costly as 55 million euros if all the add-ons are reached.

West Ham need him more than Tottenham

Obviously, Spurs look likely to be able to offer Gomes Champions League football and a better crack at silverware but it is hard to see him becoming central to Pochettino's plans.

At the London Stadium, where the fans are becoming frustrated with the functional style under David Moyes, Gomes - who has genuine technical ability - could help the Hammers become the high-tempo passing side their fans want them to be.

Another man who has been linked with the Irons is Tom Cairney. He is the best passer in the Championship and the Fulham captain, alongside Gomes, would bring incredible technical quality to the party.

It feels like a move towards technically gifted, younger players is being made behind the scenes at West Ham and beating local rivals Spurs to sign Gomes would be an enormous first step.

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