West Ham United have launched an ambitious £16 million move to sign Lecce's highly-rated defender Tiago Gabriel, according to reports from Italy. The bid for the 20-year-old, however, has been swiftly rejected by the Serie A club.
Hammers Seek Defensive Reinforcements
The London outfit's pursuit comes after a defensively frail start to the Premier League season. West Ham have conceded 23 goals this term, a record better only than Wolverhampton Wanderers. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been utilising Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman as his primary centre-back pairing, with Konstantinos Mavropanos sidelined due to injury.
Despite investing in their backline with the signings of Todibo, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Kyle Walker-Peters, strengthening the heart of the defence remains a key priority for the January transfer window.
Lecce's Rising Star and His Price Tag
Tiago Gabriel has emerged as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in Italy. A mainstay for Lecce, he has been instrumental in the team securing five clean sheets in their opening 11 fixtures of the season.
The Brazilian defender has earned a formidable reputation for his old-school defending style, particularly his enthusiasm for and proficiency in the slide tackle. Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport broke the news of West Ham's 'official offer' of €18 million (£16m), which was promptly turned down.
Lecce are said to value their young asset at a much higher €25 million (approximately £22 million). While the club is reluctant to sell in January, interest from the financially powerful Premier League is considered a significant threat to their hopes of retaining him.
London Rivalry for Serie A Talent
West Ham do not have a clear path to the player, with competition emerging on two fronts. London rivals Brentford are also closely monitoring Gabriel's situation, though they are yet to table a formal bid.
Adding to the transfer tussle, Italian giants Inter Milan are also reportedly weighing up a move for the Lecce star, setting up a potential bidding war between English and Italian clubs.
In other defensive news, West Ham had also been linked with former Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell, who is currently impressing at Toulouse and is seeking a return to the Premier League to further his international ambitions with England.
