West Ham’s hopes of signing Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes have been dealt a blow after they learned the player prefers a move to Everton.
The Hammers have made a £20million bid for Gomes but the 25-year-old is keen on a return to Goodison Park, where he spent last season on loan.
Manuel Pellegrini has made Gomes one of his top targets as looks to refresh his squad this summer. The Portugal international impressed on loan at Everton during 29 appearances last season and he has been linked with Tottenham.
Everton are yet to make a bid to sign Gomes on a permanent basis but West Ham may have to turn to other targets if Gomes has his heart set on a return to Merseyside.
Pellegrini wants to strengthen in midfield and Newcastle duo Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden are among possible alternatives. Both players would be available for around £15m and would help their homegrown player quota.
Shelvey, 27, is out of favour under Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park. Former Arsenal midfielder Hayden, 24, is keen to relocate his family back down south.
West Ham boosted their transfer funds by £10m yesterday with the sales of Edimilson Fernandes to Mainz for £8m and Lucas Perez to Alaves for £2m.
Switzerland midfielder Fernandes failed to establish himself at West Ham after joining in 2016, while Perez has been sold after a disappointing season at the club following his £4m move from Arsenal last summer.
