Sporting Lisbon have named their price for Jovane Cabral, who has previously emerged as a transfer target for West Ham.Â
THE LOWDOWN: WEST HAM AND LEEDS INTERESTED IN CABRAL
Along with Leeds, the Irons have been credited with interest in signing the 1.76m (5 foot 9) winger, who has seemingly made a good impression on both Premier League clubs during the 2020/21 season as Sporting clinched the Liga NOS title.
The 23-year-old chipped in with eight goals and five assists in all competitions last term as his team finished five points clear of FC Porto.
THE LATEST: SPORTING PREPARED TO SELL CABRAL FOR £12.8M
Portuguese media outlet A Bola have now claimed that Sporting are prepared to sell Cabral this summer, but only if their valuation of the winger is matched.
It is reported that they’re looking to obtain a fee in the region of £12.8m for his services amid interest from both West Ham and Leeds in the past. Indeed, the Irons had also been linked with the winger in last summer’s transfer window according to A Bola [via Sportslens].
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers will match the Portuguese champions’ valuation this summer as they make preparations ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, which is set to get underway in August.
THE VERDICT: PROMISING UPDATE FOR WEST HAM
This could turn out to be a smart bit of business by West Ham in the summer if they pull it off, as Cabral has shown that he can perform to a high standard at a good level of football. He was a regular for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese top flight last term and chipped in with multiple goal contributions as they clinched the title (Transfermarkt).
It is a somewhat surprising stance from Sporting, as you would have imagined they would have been doing all they can to keep him at the club, having played such an important role for them last season.
The prospect of playing in the Premier League could be a tempting proposition for the winger, and it’ll be interesting to see if West Ham submit a formal offer for Cabral this summer after hearing of Sporting’s valuation of him.
You would imagine that, along with Leeds, the Irons will feel that he is well within their price range, so the onus is on GSB not to pass up what seems a glorious opportunity to pull off some smart business.
In other news, this journalist explains why West Ham lost out on a prolific striker recently.
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