Everton, West Ham ‘make contact’ over €25m winger wanted by Wolves

Pepe Gremio TEAMtalk

Everton and West Ham have made contact with Gremio regarding a move for Wolves attacking target Pepe, according to reports. 

Wolves are believed to be in active talks with the Brazilian outfit over a deal for the 23-year-old winger. Pepe has scored 15 goals and registered six assists in 72 appearances for Gremio. He also has an impressive record for Brazil’s under-23 side, with three goals in six games.

The Midlands club are attempting to negotiate a €15million transfer, although that fee is not expected to be enough.

With Wolves and Gremio currently some way apart in their valuation, that could provide an opportunity for another club to steal in and sign the wideman.

And according to calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Everton and West Ham may look to do just that.

They claim that the Premier League duo have ‘asked about signing the player in recent hours’. Both teams are still looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

Having signed midfield trio Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucouré in the last week, the Toffees may have now turned their attentions to bolstering their forward options.

West Ham, meanwhile, have had a quiet transfer window in comparison. Tomas Soucek is the only signing as of now, the midfielder making his loan move from Slavia Prague a permanent switch.

The report adds that Gremio, although reluctant sellers, are hoping to receive between €20-25million for one of their star men. With discussions in the early stages, it is unclear whether Everton or West Ham would be willing to pay that much.

Buying club may have to wait for Pepe

Should any of the three interested parties reach an agreement, they may have to wait until January to welcome Pepe into their squad.

That is because Gremio would want to see him return on a short-term loan immediately if they do sell. That is so he can play a starring role in their season, which will finish in February.

A loan would allow Pepe to play in the majority of their remaining games. Although, he would still miss the final few after his January departure.

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