Team-mates Lobotka may hold key to West Ham landing Gomez before deadline

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West Ham United are interested in bringing Celta Vigo duo Stanislav Lobotka and Maxi Gomez to the London Stadium before the winter transfer window slams shut, according to TeamTalk.

They report that Manuel Pellegrini wants Slovakian international midfielder Lobotka to boost an engine room that is currently shorn of both Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere before Thursday’s deadline.

The Hammers reportedly face stiff competition for the midfielder, with the likes of Everton, Wolves, Bournemouth and Leicester also in the hunt, but could engineer a loan swoop to bring him to east London.

Meanwhile, Gomez is apparently available for around £35m this month as Pellegrini deals with the aftermath of the uncertainty around Marko Arnautovic’s future by trying to maintain a steady flow of goals in his Hammers side.

West Ham want a loan-to-buy deal for Gomez – something Celta are reportedly reluctant to agree to – and it might be that it takes for Lobotka to be convinced to move to east London in order for the striker to follow.

There is also the potential for the Hammers to combine both deals to give Celta a lump sum up front, as well as strengthening their squad in two key positions without the need for separate negotiations with different clubs.