Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.
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WEST HAM
The Irons are preparing for life without captain Declan Rice after their Europa Conference League victory in Prague brought down the curtain on their 2022-23 season.
My understanding is that Fulham’s Joao Palhinha is their top target to replace him.
Sources say West Ham feel he is the perfect replacement for Rice – and they’re hoping the offer of Europa League football will give them the edge.
Several other clubs are looking at him, including Aston Villa, but previous interest in the so-called ‘big six’ has cooled somewhat.
I’m told Fulham are desperate to keep hold of Palhinha and will demand a fee of between £50-60million for his services.
Meanwhile, West Ham are likely to add another more creative midfielder in addition to Palhinha.
I’m told a new striker is also on the summer wanted list, alongside additional cover at centre-back and full-back.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN CITY
Pep Guardiola’s side are stepping up their pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
I’m told he is Man City’s top summer target and they are confident of agreeing a deal.
Initial talks have already been held between the two clubs and are expected to ramp up after the Champions League final on Saturday (10 June).
Sources say City will pull out all the stops to sign Gvardiol, and although it will likely take a fee of more than £80million to land him – that outlay is not expected to be a problem.
If Gvardiol comes in, it will likely leave long-serving defender Aymeric Laporte surplus to requirements.
The Spain international wants more regular first-team football after a season on the fringes at the Etihad Stadium.
Laporte is expected to evaluate all of his options with two years left to run on his contract – but I’m told a parting of ways is the most likely outcome.
Several clubs at home and abroad are keen on a potential deal for the 29-year-old, although a Barcelona move is unlikely due to their financial situation.
Another player with no future at Man City is Joao Cancelo.
Arsenal are admirers of his, with his versatility valued highly by Mikel Arteta – who worked with the full-back during their overlapping time at City.
The Gunners are keen to add someone with his experience and class – with a well-placed source telling me Cancelo “ticks a lot of boxes” for the Premier League challengers.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake has held talks over a new contract with two years left to run on his current City deal.
I’m told negotiations are set to accelerate over the summer, with no issues expected to arise in the process.
Guardiola is a huge admirer of Ake and all parties are happy with the current status quo.
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FULHAM
The Cottagers and London rivals Crystal Palace are readying moves for Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Everton, Burnley and Wolves are all also admirers of the hitman – with the race expected to hot up following the Sky Blues’ failure to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Gyokeres has one year remaining on his contract, and I’m told Coventry will demand a big fee to part with their talisman.
Sources say Fulham will raise funds and clear space for a new striker arrival by listening to offers for Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz this summer.
Marco Silva’s side are keen to bolster their attack after a lean spell during Aleksandar Mitrovic’s suspension earlier this year.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE FULHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
EVERTON
The Toffees are in the market for a new striker and have interest in Gyokeres.
However, I’m told links with Man United loanee Wout Weghorst are wide of the mark.
He does not figure on Everton’s wanted list – but sources say he will be on the move as he does not figure in the future plans at Man United or Burnley.
The Merseysiders have also been linked with Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson.
Sources say it will be “really hard” for Everton to prise the 22-year-old away from Forest – who want to build their side around the Wales international.
Steve Cooper’s side are desperate to keep Johnson and will demand a big-money fee if any approaches materialise.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has also been linked with a Goodison Park switch.
My understanding is the Frenchman is keen to move away in search of more regular first-team football, but no final decision has been taken with Palace yet to appoint a new manager.
Everton are likely to be in the race for Man United midfielder Scott McTominay.
He is the type of tough-tackling, high-energy player who will fit Sean Dyche’s profile – and United are ready to listen to offers this summer.
However, I’m told it will be hard for the Toffees to finance any deal and as such, they can only be considered outsiders to get a move over the line.
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