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According to The Times, West Ham United have made an £18m offer for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes.

What's the word, then?

Gomes spent the 2018-19 campaign on loan at Everton, having joined the Merseyside giants from Barcelona in last summer's transfer window.

The 25-year-old had to wait until October to make his Toffees debut due to injury but he went on to appear on 29 occasions in all competitions, impressing with his physicality and composure in possession.

Everton also want to sign the Portugal international on a permanent deal this summer.

However, according to The Times, West Ham are very much in the race and the Hammers have now submitted an £18m bid to Barcelona.

That said, the same report has claimed that the Spanish champions value Gomes at around £36m.

It remains to be seen whether Manuel Pellegrini's side can secure a deal but the Portuguese's arrival would give West Ham a midfield to be feared.

Big boost for Declan Rice

Declan Rice has just come off the back of a terrific season for West Ham.

But the England international could take his game to a new level if Gomes arrived at the London Stadium.

Indeed, the Barcelona midfielder was not always terrific for Everton last season but showed his quality on a number of occasions.

WhoScored have placed Gomes' pass success rate at close to 85% in the Premier League. The midfielder's ability to glide across the turf makes him a huge asset and West Ham would sent out a strong message if they managed to complete a deal.

Indeed, the thought of Rice breaking up play and feeding Gomes slightly further forward must be of interest to the Hammers supporters.

The 6 ft 2 ace needs to add more goals and assists to his game but will come on stronger following a season in the Premier League, making him the ideal signing for Pellegrini.