West Ham need to act fast as target set for £90m exit clause
Reports claim both West Ham United and Southampton are still watching Jovane Cabral, with his Sporting Lisbon future uncertain.
Cabral, 22, enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2019-2020, scoring six goals from 16 Primeira Liga appearances. His skills out wide did not go unnoticed, with both the Hammers and Saints said to have made summer enquiries.
The Cape Verde international still has three years to run on his Sporting deal. However, A Bola are suggesting it is by no means certain he will pen fresh terms at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The Premier League due are reportedly monitoring his situation both on and off the pitch. Sporting want to keep hold of their exciting talent but do have a history of selling their young superstars.
O Jogo feel the Portuguese may be set to offer him a new deal until 2025, with a £90m release clause inserted. That would price him out of the market for the two English clubs mentioned, meaning they will need to move fast.
Therefore, January is an option should either want to strengthen their squad mid-season.
Jovane would add flair to West Ham’s ranks but Said Benrahma currently occupies the left wing position. However, he is a versatile player and can also feature as a striker, with four outings up front this term.
The transfer window opens for business in two months’ time, with A Bola claiming £23m would get the deal done.
Moyes to buck defensive trend?
Despite a reputation as a manager who builds from the back, David Moyes may add a striker in January. The man in question is Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic, who has failed to shine since moving to the Bernabeu.
The Serbia international made a name for himself during two seasons on loan with German club Eintracht Frankfurt. Bagging 36 goals from 75 outings was always going to get the big boys interested and Los Blancos pounced in 2019.
Eyebrows were raised when they offered him a six-year deal and reportedly paid £52 euros for his services. Things have not gone to plan in the Spanish capital, however, and he is now on the peripheries.
Yet to score this term, the youngster has made only three La Liga appearances and two starts. He appears surplus to requirements and Moyes may look to take advantage of the situation.
The Hammers have scored a impressive 13 goals this season but could always do with more. It may be a case that Real is just the wrong club, with West Ham to offer a mid-season alternative.