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Liverpool are among the prominent Premier League suitors eyeing a swoop for West Ham United phenom Declan Rice, who is expected to depart the London Stadium this year…

What’s the word?

Arsenal are allegedly front runners for the 24-year-old’s signature, but Chelsea and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are also firmly in the race to sign the player whose outfit are resigned to losing this year following the rejection of a contract extension.

And now, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Reds could indeed swoop for the ace this summer, with the Hammers demanding at least £80m for their most coveted asset.

Galetti said: “It’s an open race. It’s an evolving situation because also Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in him. We have to wait a few more weeks to better understand the future of Declan Rice.”

Could it be bye-bye Fabinho?

Given the stark decline in form and fluidity for Liverpool this season – who won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last term, finishing second in the league and losing the Champions League final – it is hardly surprising that Klopp and co are seeking stability that could only be landed from outside the Anfield walls.

The Merseyside giants languish in ninth place in the English top flight with a miserable eight victories from 19 matches; Arsenal, for comparison, have double this amount.

The results have been alarming, but the manner of the slide from the former standing is of the gravest concern, and Klopp must indeed act with lightning conviction to ensure the club rekindle the fire that burned so brightly at the heart of Anfield previously.

By clinching the highly-sought Rice, who has made 221 appearances for United since rising from the youth ranks, Liverpool would wield one of the sturdiest anchors in the Premier League, a “monster” – as dubbed by “ESPNUK editor David Cartlidge – who boasts a remarkable ball-playing aptitude and robust physicality to inject the much-needed life back into the Reds’ system.

As per Sofascore, he has recorded an average league rating of 7.25 this season, remarkable given his side’s woes, with his 89% passing accuracy, 2.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game imperative in assuring West Ham do not sink deeper than the lowly 16th position they currently occupy.

And as per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of midfielders for pass completion and the top 7% for interceptions across Europe’s big five leagues, illuminating his assurance and sweeping presence.

With his prospective Anfield arrival, he could prompt Klopp to boldly ditch Fabinho, who is enduring the toughest campaign of his Premier League career, with his average rating of 6.86 a gulf below Rice’s, while also being the lowest score from his five seasons for Liverpool.

And with the “special” Rice – as labelled by former reporter Sam Inkersole – bettering the Brazilian’s 1.8 tackles and 1.1 interceptions a match this season, the 29-year-old might find himself expendable if he cannot rekindle his former form.

Fabinho has been a stalwart for Klopp’s Liverpool and an embodiment of the success over the past several years; relentless pace and unflinching intensity. However, the Brazilian has indeed been at the epicentre of the issues this term, and the younger, fresher and flourishing Rice could take his role and ensure Liverpool’s wayward endeavours steer firmly back on course.

Manchester City hold one significant advantage in the race to sign Girona right-back Arnau Martinez, according to a report from Spain.

The Lowdown: Man City’s options at right-back

Pep Guardiola has given increased game-time to Rico Lewis this season, with the youngster making eight appearances in the Premier League, while the City manager also has stalwart Kyle Walker at his disposal.

He was hailed as ‘exceptional’ by his Guardiola earlier in the campaign but he is now 32, and City need to start thinking about long-term options in that area of the pitch, with Martinez now emerging as a potential signing.

The Latest: City hold advantage in Martinez race

According to reports from Spain, both City and Barcelona are interested in the 19-year-old right-back, who has a release clause of €20m (£17.5m) included in his contract.

However, the Cityzens could end up winning the race for his signature due to the fact that Girona are also under the City Football Group umbrella, which could make a deal far easier for the Premier League champions to orchestrate.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Lewis impressing since he entered the first-team picture, being described as ‘fantastic’ by Guardiola on BT Sport earlier this season, there is no immediate need to bring in Martinez, although it would be wise to sign him and duly loan back out to continue his development.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has waxed lyrical about the 19-year-old, hailing him as a ‘jewel’ with ‘excellent technique’. He offers a constant threat on the front foot, placing in the 85th percentile for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 in the past year among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

In his team’s recent 1-0 defeat to Barcelona, the Spaniard also showcased his defensive qualities by making four tackles, twice as many as any other Girona player.

City are lucky to be blessed with strength in depth at right-back, but the Spanish starlet would still be a very good signing, especially considering his modest release clause.

Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici has raved over ‘explosive’ right-wing-back talent and new signing Pedro Porro.

The Lowdown: Spurs sign Spaniard…

Spurs finally completed the 23-year-old’s signing from Sporting CP on a £5 million loan which will become a £39m obligation to buy in summer.

This came after long and drawn out negotiations between the Premier League top four chasers and Sporting with reports suggesting that talks were happening over weeks leading up to deadline day.

The defender’s arrival signals an end to manager Antonio Conte’s search for an Emerson Royal alternative on the right side and one much more attack-minded.

The Latest: Paratici raves over ‘explosive’ Porro…

Porro has been subject to praise from Paratici, who admitted to Tottenham’s official website that the club now had an ‘explosive’ talent in their ranks.

The Italian claimed:

“He has a lot of quality, he is explosive so we are very, very happy and excited to sign him. We were following him even in the last summer but we couldn’t buy him so we followed and then were lucky that he played against us so we could see him.”

The Verdict: Huge for Spurs…

The signing of Porro comes as a major move by Spurs and one even described as a ‘big statement’ both on and off the pitch by esteemed journalists.

Man City’s ex-starlet couldn’t get a look-in under Pep Guardiola with the presence of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo at the time but his time at Sporting showcases a very exciting option.

As per WhoScored, he ranked in the Portuguese side’s top two for attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 in the final third – highlighting his real attacking prowess.

Porro also racked up a very impressive six assists over the first half of Sporting’s league campaign – more than anyone in their squad, and that would undoubtedly have been a big pull for Conte.

Now, Spurs can utilise that real threat in their push for a second-successive top four finish.

West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna has been praised by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas for his performances in recent weeks.

The Lowdown: West Ham’s defensive options

Irons manager David Moyes has not been able to select Kurt Zouma of late, with the Frenchman suffering a hamstring injury, while Craig Dawson was sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers for £3.3m in January.

As such, Ogbonna has returned to the starting XI, appearing for the full 90 minutes in four of the Hammers’ last five Premier League matches, and his performances have impressed Thomas.

The Latest: Ogbonna praised

Taking to Twitter in the wake of West Ham’s 1-1 draw away to high-flying Newcastle United at the weekend, the journalist reserved a ‘special mention’ for Ogbonna over his recent displays.

Thomas gushed: “Special mention to Ogbonna. He’s gone under the radar in recent weeks. He’s slowly getting back to his best.”

The Verdict: Top-drawer performances

Moyes’ side have kept clean sheets in three of the last five matches in which the 34-year-old has been involved, conceding only one goal in both of the other games in that run, and Ogbonna was vital in the crucial 2-0 victory against Everton in January. On that afternoon, he made 15 clearances to keep the Toffees at bay, the most of any player on the pitch.

The Italian defender also played his part in the 1-0 FA Cup triumph at Brentford a month ago, blocking two shots and winning two of his three aerial duels to help secure West Ham’s place in the fourth round of the competition, where they defeated Derby to set up a clash against Manchester United.

Once hailed as ‘brilliant’ by ExWHUemployee, Ogbonna’s contract is due to expire in the summer, but his performances of late have been at a very high level and rightly drawn praise from Thomas. If the 34-year-old keeps it up for the foreseeable future, then it will definitely be worth giving him an extra year at the London Stadium.

Football transfer fees have been on the rise for decades, with some of the most expensive transfers in history taking place in recent years.

The most expensive football transfers

The most expensive football transfers of all time include Neymar’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a reported €222 million, Philippe Coutinho’s transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018 for €160 million, and Ousmane Dembélé’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017 for €105 million. Other notable transfers include Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 for €94 million, Gareth Bale’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2013 for €91 million, and Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a reported fee of €105 million. Now you can even bet on how much will be the transfer fee, and you can find some options at 50 free spins no deposit casinos and sportsbooks.

The evolution of football transfer fees over time

The evolution of football transfer fees can be traced back to the early 20th century when clubs began to pay players for their services. At first, these payments were relatively small and only covered basic expenses such as travel and accommodation. However, as football became more popular and lucrative, clubs began to invest more money into signing players from other teams. This led to an increase in transfer fees which continued throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century. In recent years, transfer fees have skyrocketed due to increased competition between clubs for top talent and a greater willingness by owners to invest large sums of money into their teams. As a result, some of the most expensive transfers ever have taken place in recent years with players such as Neymar Jr., Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale all commanding huge transfer fees when they moved clubs.

Factors that affect the cost of a football transfer

The cost of a football transfer is determined by several factors, including the player’s age, experience level, and current market value. The age of the player is important because younger players tend to have more potential for growth and development than older players. Experience level also plays a role in determining the cost of a transfer as more experienced players are usually more expensive due to their proven track record. Other factors that may affect the cost of a football transfer include any bonuses or incentives offered by either team, any existing contracts between clubs or agents, and any additional fees associated with international transfers.

Football transfers can be big business, with some of the world’s top players switching teams for large sums of money.

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Chelsea were wrongly denied a penalty in their Premier League clash against West Ham United after a handball from midfielder Tomas Soucek.

The Lowdown: Points shared

Graham Potter’s side drew 1-1 with the Hammers after Joao Felix gave them the lead 16 minutes into the match.

The Hammers would equalise through former Blues man Emerson Palmieri just 12 minutes after Chelsea scored through Felix.

Tomas Soucek was denied a late winner as he was deemed offside by VAR, but that wasn’t the only controversial decision he was involved in.

The Latest: Soucek handball

Conor Gallagher fired a shot towards the goal, Soucek would then throw his body at the ball and blocked it. The replays showed that in fact, the shot hit him right on his arm.

The Verdict: Clear penalty

We believe that the referee and VAR missed a massive decision that has cost Chelsea all three points from their trip to the London Stadium.

From analysing the handball rules devised by the Premier League, we can’t see how that hasn’t been given as a penalty.

Had Soucek been closer to the ball then you could argue that it would’ve been harsh, but the midfielder is far enough away where he could get his arm out of the way of the ball.

From a Chelsea standpoint, it’s certainly frustrating as they’ve had a poor season. Had they picked up three points it could’ve positively benefitted their league position, but instead it could be a decision that potentially costs them a European place come the end of the season.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United players are “frustrated” behind the scenes amid Alphonse Areola’s cryptic Instagram message.

What’s the latest on Alphonse Areola and WHUFC?

The French goalkeeper recently took to Instagram (via football.london) to say: “People like to be around those who give off positive energy…” followed by a cloud emoji.

On top of that, Manuel Lanzini’s wife also sent a message online to David Moyes about playing her husband. So it’s clear to see not everyone is content right now.

While talking about it all on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex revealed that he can’t be certain for sure what Areola was referring to but he did confirm that some players are “frustrated” within the club.

He said: “Areola’s come out today and said you should surround yourself with positive people, which seems like it’s a dig at the club and possibly David Moyes.

“I don’t have evidence either way. All I do know is that a few players have been frustrated at the negative attitude and the negative reaction to things.

“So maybe, speculating, that is where he was talking about. I don’t know factually. Obviously, Lanzini’s wife came out on Instagram last night posting hers and his frustrations at him not playing online. So there are people that are frustrated.”

What does this player frustration mean for West Ham?

Seeing as the Irons lost this weekend away at Tottenham Hotspur – meaning they now sit inside the bottom three – it’s not hard to see why players are unhappy.

For the likes of Areola and Lanzini, this may be particularly frustrating as they haven’t had the chance to shine much in the Premier League this season.

For instance, the goalkeeper has played second fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski featuring just twice in the top flight this term. On top of that, Lanzini has managed just 122 minutes in the league, spread across five outings and so the pair may understandably be hoping for more opportunities with the club struggling.

It’s never easy to keep an entire squad happy and internal frustration isn’t necessarily a unique thing to West Ham right now but with things not going their way, Moyes does have to be careful things don’t spiral out of control.

It’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, he does to try and resolve these issues.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion starlet Evan Ferguson this summer, with the Irishman having made a promising start to life at senior level.

What’s the latest on Ferguson to Newcastle?

According to The Mirror, the Magpies are said to be ‘monitoring’ the 18-year-old’s progress at the Amex Stadium at present, with the report noting that the teenage sensation has even earned comparisons to St James’ Park icon Alan Shearer due to his goalscoring exploits.

The Tynesiders are likely to have competition in their bid to land the 6 foot 1 menace, though, with The Sun having reported earlier this month that Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also ‘weighing up’ a move for the teenager.

Could Ferguson replace Wilson at Newcastle?

This mooted search for a potential long-term striking option in Eddie Howe’s squad comes amid the frustrating display of current number nine Callum Wilson during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

That 2-0 loss at Wembley saw the Englishman produce a rather anonymous outing in attack, as he made just 25 touches in total and won only three of his eight duels, having also lost possession seven times as a marker of his struggles.

The 31-year-old produced what can only be described as an ‘ineffectual display’ against the Red Devils – as per Daily Express journalist Neil Squires – having also failed to score in any of his five starts in the competition this season.

While the former Bournemouth man does have seven goals to his name in 17 league matches so far this term, the forward’s persistent injury woes have been something of a problem throughout his time at the club, hence the possible need to acquire a replacement.

Should Howe be keen to find a suitable heir, then turning to young Ferguson could prove something of a masterstroke, with the highly-coveted asset having already scored three goals and provided two assists in just seven top-flight games this season.

The prolific gem – who has previously scored 18 goals in just 39 games for Brighton’s U21 side – had been earmarked as a real talent even prior to making his first-team debut, having been described as a “goalscoring machine” at youth level by former League of Ireland player and manager Alan Mathews.

Also lauded as “phenomenal” by team-mate Solly March, the twice-capped Republic of Ireland international has already made a big impression in his embryonic senior career to date, having also lined out four times for his former club Bohemians prior to joining the Seagulls in 2021.

As previously stated, those at Newcastle will also be intrigued by the towering marksman’s apparent likeness to club legend Shearer, having been described by pundit Tim Sherwood as similar to the former England skipper “in his pomp” after netting against Leicester City earlier this season.

To think that Howe and co could have a potential successor to the now-retired Geordie hero – who remains the club’s highest-ever scorer – is a truly exciting prospect, with getting such a talent through the door this summer possibly allowing for Wilson to be moved elsewhere.

Leeds United have reportedly expressed an interest in Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

The Lowdown: Calhanoglu profiled

The 29-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can also line out as a holding or attacking midfielder if required.

The Turkey international holds a career-high €35m (£30.8m) Transfermarkt valuation and is out of contract in 2024. Captain of his national team, Calhanoglu has been plying his trade in Italy since 2017 and also has experience in the Bundesliga with Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen.

The Latest: Leeds interested in Calhanoglu

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from one Spanish outlet in the last 48 hours regarding Calhanoglu.

They claimed that Leeds, and by extension Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises, have expressed an interest in the Turkish maestro along with Premier League relegation rivals Southampton. However, Inter see him as an important player and have set a €25m (£22m) price tag.

The Verdict: Shrewd target?

Leeds will need to remain in the Premier League to have any realistic chance of signing Calhanoglu, and if they do, he could be an extremely shrewd addition.

He has plenty of experience at the highest level for club (almost 500 appearances) and country (74 caps), contributing to 20 Serie A goals in 34 games last season.

Calhanoglu has been Inter’s second-best performer during the current campaign with an average match rating of 7.07/10 from WhoScored – a better rating than any Leeds player.

The versatile player has been called ‘absolutely sensational’ for his passing range by members of the media, and his experience could be beneficial at Elland Road alongside the likes of Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for a new goalkeeper as manager Erik ten Hag looks ahead to next season.

What’s the latest on Diogo Costa to Manchester United?

According to Portuguese news outlet O Jogo (March 3, page 2) United are interested in signing Porto stopper Diogo Costa this summer and have been regularly monitoring him ahead of a potential summer swoop.

The shot-stopper is thought to have a release clause of €75m (£66m) at his current side and with Ten Hag no stranger to splashing the cash so far at United it could represent a good deal for the club.

Current goalkeeper David De Gea only has a few months left on his current deal and with his future not yet certain, a goalkeeper could be high on the Dutchman’s shopping list during the transfer window.

Could Costa replace De Gea at Man United?

The 6 foot 3 Spaniard has come in for some criticism over the previous few years, with his performances dipping. Since the start of the 2020/2021 campaign, the United keeper has conceded 141 goals in 116 matches, keeping just 37 clean sheets during that time.

BBC sports writer Phil McNulty even described him as a “liability” previously and it could well be time for Ten Hag to move on and continue his rebuild of the side by signing a younger ‘keeper.

Costa has emerged as one of the continent’s most talented keepers evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 1% for goals conceded (0.61), 2% for clean sheet percentage (54.2%), and 7% for touches (41.58) across Europe’s next eight divisions via FBref.

This proves he could be a worthy successor to De Gea and aged just 23, has yet to arguably reach his peak years. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the Porto star as a “wall” and he could significantly boost the United squad.

This season, Costa has been in excellent form, averaging a 7.02/10 rating via Sofascore while keeping 11 clean sheets in 22 league matches, with that a marginally better record than that of De Gea who has a 6.94 average match rating this season, while keeping ten clean sheets in 24 league games.

The younger man has conceded just 0.6 goals per game, has saved two shots per match – a success rate of 76% – and succeeded with 94% of his attempted runs out per match, while the United stalwart has conceded 1.2 goals per game, albeit while saving 2.8 shots per game and succeeding with 100% of his attempted runs out.

However, it is his performances in the Champions League this term that will really show Ten Hag how good he is. The keeper ranks as the competition’s 22nd-best player with an average Sofascore rating of 7.46/10 and he has saved three of the four penalties that were taken against him.

The Portuguese sensation also kept three clean sheets from seven matches and saved 76% of shots against him while even registering an assist in Europe’s elite competition.

There is no doubt he has all the required attributes to successfully take over from De Gea in the United goal and Ten Hag must make him a summer priority.