West Ham United have taken the first step towards signing Gabriel Barbosa by tabling a formal offer for the Inter Milan forward, according to a report.

The 22-year-old has reignited his career back at former club Santos, netting 25 goals in 49 appearances since rejoining on loan from Inter in January.

Barbosa struggled to adapt to the demands of European football with both the Nerazzurri and on loan at Benfica, where he featured for just 156 minutes during his half-season spell.

Everton and Crystal Palace are rumoured to be among the other Premier League suitors tracking the four-cap Brazil international, but Sport Mediaset claims that West Ham lead the way as they have already made contact with Inter regarding a January move.

Santos academy product Barbosa recently admitted that he is eyeing a return to Europe in 2019.