Barbosa would have been an upgrade on Carroll at West Ham in January

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In the early days of this transfer window, West Ham were offered a deal for Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa, according to the Sun.

The Brazilian hitman lost his way at the San Siro but after finding his feet again during a return to former club Santos, Manuel Pellegrini was reportedly weighing up taking the plunge.

But now, it seems as though Barbosa will return to Brazil as Flamengo have come to an agreement over a loan deal for the striker.

That is good news for Andy Carroll, who netted the second goal in the weekend win over Birmingham and reportedly wants to remain at the London Stadium, even with his current Hammers contract expiring at the end of the season.

But the fact remains that Barbosa would have offered an upgrade on Carroll. The former Newcastle man’s fitness concerns are well-documented but even if he could be relied upon, his muscular style is very much at odds with the flowing, counter-attacking side that Pellegrini is trying to construct.

Barbosa is a maverick, like Carroll, but has more technical ability, is younger and has the ability to go on scoring bursts.

It is understandable that he has decided to return to Brazil – where he has shown his best form – but it’s a missed opportunity for West Ham.