West Ham are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Carlos Borges, although it is unclear whether it would be a loan or a permanent move, according to BBC journalist Mike Minay.
Minay revealed West Ham’s interest on Twitter but admitted the situation is unclear as the Hammers look to add quality to their squad this summer after losing key man Declan Rice to Arsenal.
He would be the latest player to leave the Manchester City academy in search of first-team football in what is becoming somewhat of a trend following transfers for Romeo Lavia, Gavin Bazunu, Shea Charles and Samuel Edozie, who all moved to Southampton in the last year.
Carlos Borges has interest from West Ham AND other clubs. Unclear as to whether any deal would be loan or permanent. #ManCity #MCFC
Darko Gyabi and Jayden Braaf joined Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund respectively, and James Trafford looks set to sign for Burnley.
A gamble that may be worth it
When looking at the other players leaving City’s academy in recent years, they can be very hit or miss. Lavia stands out as a clear hit as he is now attracting interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Bazunu and Edozie failed to make their mark on the South Coast.
The 19-year-old Borges has impressed at youth level, having scored 21 goals and bagged 11 assists from 24 games in the Premier League 2.
West Ham have clearly identified the need to strengthen on the wing this summer, with Borges the latest in a list of wingers to be linked including Leicester’s Harvey Barnes, who now looks set to join Newcastle.
Borges would be a fresh face in what has become an ageing squad – an issue which West Ham are keen to address. Bringing in the 19-year-old would be the first step in the right direction for the Hammers’ new recruitment drive.
