Speaking live on Selecao SporTV (via Sport Witness), Globo Esporte reporter Cahe Mota has broken some West Ham transfer news involving Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: West Ham hold 'Gabigol' transfer talks...

According to Sky Sports, West Ham have already started making moves to sign a striker this January as they recently lifted the lid on transfer talks to sign red hot Selecao star Barbosa.

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As per the reliable broadcast giant, Flamengo's star forward is keen on a move to England and the Premier League as he feels this is the best chance to be selected for Brazil's 2022 World Cup squad.

He also watches every West Ham game and is an admirer of how manager David Moyes has transformed the Irons into top four contenders.

Breaking more news on Moyes' links to Barbosa, South American reporter Mota has now shared his own update with slightly different information.

The Latest: Mota breaks Barbosa to West Ham latest...

According to the journalist's information, as he explained live on Selecao SporTV (via SW), West Ham already had a bid rejected at the start of December.

Indeed, Flamengo apparently refused their initial proposal of €6 million (£5.013m) for a loan until the summer of 2023, plus an option to buy.

They considered West Ham's first offer 'absurd', but according to Mota, there is an 'expectation' that Moyes' side will return with a fresh bid to sign Barbosa.

However, if the Irons are going to sign Flamengo's ace, they will need to pay his €33 million (£27.5m) release clause.

The Verdict: Worth it?

News that the Brazilian Serie A giants are refusing to budge on Barbosa's release clause will come as a blow to West Ham, but given they are expected to make a fresh offer, we believe the 25-year-old could in fact be worth the investment.

Still fairly young, the prolific striker would come to England with real potential for sell-on value and the rumour he is keen on a move could work in Moyes' favour.

Scoring 29 goals over 2021 alone, there is little doubting Barbosa knows how to find the back of the net consistently and numbers like that point to a very prolific option for below £30m.

Given West Ham's real need for a striking back up to Michail Antonio, especially given the Jamaican's worrying injury record, we believe Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman should at least consider paying Flamengo's release clause.

In other news: West Ham set for imminent move to sign 'phenomenal' powerhouse as reporter drops exciting Twitter message, find out more here.