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Vitor Roque of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano. Overlaid, an exclusive banner.
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

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‘Special’ striker has decided his next club after interest from Everton and West Ham

Sean Fisher
Sean Fisher

Everton and West Ham fans will be hoping for some positive transfer news to lift their spirits after a poor start to their Premier League campaigns.

Both Premier League clubs have been busy in the transfer window this summer but are still in the market for extra reinforcements.

West Ham in particular have made headlines for their busy summer business with eight new signings joining Julen Lopetegui’s squad.

But both Everton and the Hammers are still on the lookout for a centre-forward and have set their sights on Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque, who was as a “special player” by Brazilian footballer Diego Ribas.

Roque is pushing to leave Barcelona this summer and he is not short of options for his next club.

Everton have already opened talks for Roque, but the Brazilian forward has also attracted interest from other Premier League clubs.

TBR Football understands Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest also showed an interest in a possible loan deal once it became clear that Roque will leave Barcelona.

Cadiz CF v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Vitor Roque makes final transfer decision

Despite Everton’s efforts to sign him, TBR Football understands that Roque has turned down the chance to move to England.

READ MORE: Everton now close to signing free agent after he was linked with West Ham move

The 19-year-old is still set to leave Barcelona but he made it clear to his representatives that he did not want to move to the Premier League.

It inflicts a major blow to Everton, who have less than two weeks remaining to source a new striker target before the transfer window slams shut.

Two clubs still in the running for Vitor Roque

With a move to the Premier League now off the cards, two European sides have emerged as the favourites to land Roque.

TBR Football understands that Sporting Lisbon and Real Betis are the frontrunners to sign the exciting forward.

Betis are willing to take Roque on loan for the season while Sporting want to sign him in a permanent deal worth around €30million (£25million).