Pedro Gonçalves of Sporting is wanted by Aston Villa and West Ham United for the summer transfer window, according to a story published on April 23 in the Portuguese Record.
Under Rúben Amorim’s leadership, the winger was instrumental in the Lions’ championship run this season, with 16 assists and 18 goals in 47 games.
It’s hardly surprising that West Ham and Aston Villa have taken notice of the 25-year-old after some impressive performances.
The Hammers “maintain their interest” in Unai Emery, an attacker who can also operate in the middle of the pitch, as explained in this weekend’s edition of Jornal de Notícias.
Although it hasn’t been confirmed yet, current rumors suggest Julen Lopetegui will take David Moyes’ place at West Ham when his contract expires at the end of this year.
Amorim was connected to several clubs, including West Ham, and it was anticipated that he would depart the Portuguese team. According to the report, Gonçalves will stay at Sporting, which worries Aston Villa and the Hammers in their pursuit of him.
Amorim is said to have informed Sporting president Frederico Varandas that Pedro Gonçalves should stay put.
Gonçalves has a €80 million release clause, which needs to be activated by West Ham or Aston Villa if they’re still interested. Put another way, the Premier League team needs to put in a lot of work.