West Ham United are reportedly preparing a January move for Tiago Gabriel, a 20-year-old Portuguese centre-back and one of Serie A's most promising young defenders. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has made strengthening his backline a priority. According to Football Insider, the Hammers have identified the Lecce player as a potential target. Pete O’Rourke informed Football Insider that West Ham is aware of the 20-year-old and that the club has assessed him. O'Rourke also noted that Brentford have been mentioned in connection with the player, while reports in Italy suggest that Juventus are currently considered the most likely to sign him. Lecce are reluctant to sell their defender midway through the season, partly because they are trying to avoid relegation from Serie A, but the club's financial circumstances mean a significant offer could make them reconsider. West Ham are said to be carefully considering their options, and a formal bid for Gabriel could happen quickly if they manage to sell a fringe defender or if the potential departure of Max Kilman, who is attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, is finalized. Gabriel joined Lecce in January 2025 and has a contract that runs until June 2027. His current market value is €3.00m, according to Transfermarkt. The Portugal U21 international has made 14 appearances and scored one goal in Serie A this season.