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West Ham United have tabled a £20m bid for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, per ClaretandHugh.

What’s the word?

The Irons are attempting to beat a number of rival teams to the Portugal international this summer.  Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, the latter of whom he spent the 2018-19 season on loan with, are both credited with an interest.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side previously saw an £18m bid for the midfielder rejected but they have now returned with a fresh offer as they attempt to secure one of their top targets.

ClaretandHugh quote a source who claims that Gomes is the manager’s “number one target”, with the club attempting to bring in help for Declan Rice in midfield.

The Hammers are said to be willing to go as high as £25m to secure the 25-year-old.

The report also claims that West Ham will attempt to sign a striker this summer; Football FanCast understands that Aleksandar Mitrovic and Salomon Rondon are both key targets.

Succession planning

Mark Noble won’t be playing much next season if Gomes comes in.

The Hammers captain enjoyed an excellent end to the season but turned 32 last month and his legs are beginning to falter.

The signing of the Barca star, then, would be an excellent way to plan for his eventual retirement, with Gomes set to partner Rice in midfield at the London Stadium.

While that is not the most dynamic midfield in the Premier League, it will lower the average age of the starting XI without compromising on quality.

Gomes, after all, has been there and done it all with the Liga giants and will be out to do similar in London if the deal is completed.

The Irons would do well to get this one over the line.