Leeds, West Ham hopes fade as rivals advance in race for Brazil goal machine
Leeds and West Ham appear to be out of the picture in the race to sign prolific Brazilian striker Arthur Cabral, with a new suitor reportedly making headway over a January deal.
The Hammers are one of a number of sides said to be interested in Cabral. Indeed, Leeds United and Barcelona’s interest has both been well reported of late.
It is clear to see why so many sides are attracted to Cabral. The 23-year-old has scored 14 goals in as many games in the Swiss Super League this season. Furthermore, he’s also weighed in with 11 more in Basel’s Europa Conference League campaign.
As such, West Ham‘s interest makes a lot of sense, with the side beginning to stagnate in front of goal in the last few fixtures.
Indeed, the Hammers have only one recognised striker in the squad, in Michail Antonio. Of late, Antonio’s goalscoring returns have slowed down, with the Jamaica international failing to score in the last six West Ham games.
As such, reports earlier this week claimed the Hammers were upping efforts to sign Cabral in January.
However, as per Goal Brasil, there are two other sides making headway in efforts to sign him.
Firstly, they claim Barcelona want to sign Cabral, having offered the Swiss side three instalments of €5m.
But the more meaty proposal appears to be from Newcastle United.
They report that the Magpies have signalled their intent to meet Basel’s asking price. Furthermore, it’s reported they will ‘make contact’ in a matter of days ahead of the deal going through early in January.
Cabral in, Dwight Gayle out
With Cabral seemingly on his way in, the Magpies are reportedly ready to clear the decks by offloading Dwight Gayle.
As per the Daily Telegraph, the striker is now deemed surplus to requirements under Eddie Howe.
As such, the 32-year-old is being made available for loan in January.
Gayle has barely featured for Newcastle this season and already has a number of Championship suitors.
Indeed, two of his former clubs in Peterborough and West Brom are reportedly vying for his services.
The Baggies look better placed to re-sign Gayle though given their stronger financial situation.
Gayle has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season. All those appearances though came under former boss Steve Bruce.
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