Pete O’Rourke column: Man City expect to sign Gvardiol soon, Antonio to quit West Ham, £40m Rice replacement talks underway
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WEST HAM
My understanding is there is concrete interest in Michail Antonio from Al Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard’s side in Saudi Arabia.
They have shortlisted Antonio and Divock Origi as striker targets ahead of the league’s big kickoff next month.
I’m told Al Ettifaq have had encouragement from West Ham that the 33-year-old is available – and the Irons are not likely to stand in the way of what would be a lucrative move.
He’s in the final year of his contract at the London Stadium and is interested in joining the exciting Saudi project.
Sources say it wouldn’t take a massive fee to prise him away – with a bid of around £10million likely to be accepted.
With Antonio likely to go, West Ham are in the market for a prolific striker.
There has been talk about moves for long-term targets Armando Broja of Chelsea and Youssef En-Nesyiri of Sevilla.
However, the priorities in the market right now are a replacement for Declan Rice and a new centre-back option.
Another long-term target for West Ham is James Ward-Prowse.
My understanding is that they saw a verbal offer rejected by Southampton earlier in the window, but are now expected to formalise their interest with an official bid.
The 28-year-old’s asking price remains a sticking point. The Saints are holding out for between £40-50million for their captain – but that is a fee interested clubs are unwilling to pay.
I’m told West Ham hope to get things moving with an official bid.
Flynn Downes has been heavily linked with Southampton amid the interest in Ward-Prowse, but my understanding is that he doesn’t want to drop down to the Championship so soon after moving to the Premier League.
He is happy at the London Stadium, but fellow top-flight sides are monitoring his situation and could move if they receive indications he is available this summer.
Meanwhile, Ajax star Edson Alvarez has emerged as the top target to replace Rice in central midfield.
This interest comes after West Ham were priced out of a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.
Talks are ongoing with Alvarez’s representatives and I’m told he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.
Negotiations have recently collapsed between the player and Borussia Dortmund – but the German giants still remain a threat in the race for the Mexico international’s signature.
Sources say West Ham feel a deal can be struck with Ajax for around £35-40million despite competition from Dortmund and elsewhere.
Another player likely to join Antonio in leaving the London Stadium this summer is Nikola Vlasic.
He had a season-long loan spell at Torino last term, and the Italian side are interested in making his stay a permanent one despite letting their buy option expire.
I’m told his future lies away from West Ham, but the club are waiting for suitable offers to arrive before making a final decision.
Vlasic is keen to leave the club and pursue regular first-team football elsewhere.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN CITY
I’m told City remain optimistic about doing a deal for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol despite conflicting reports on the state of negotiations between the clubs.
Leipzig are holding out for top dollar due to their healthy financial situation and the player’s contract length.
I’m told City have the finances to get a deal done – with Gvardiol a top priority target for Pep Guardiola.
There have been several stumbling blocks and obstacles to a full agreement but Man City remain confident of getting their man before the August deadline.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN UNITED
A Paris Saint-German hijack of United’s deal for Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund cannot be ruled out.
They will be able to offer the 20-year-old lucrative wages and the chance to be part of an exciting project.
Nevertheless, I’m told Man United lead the race for his signature.
Hojlund has agreed personal terms and is keen on the move to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils are wary about paying over the odds after spending big on Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
They may have to sell several fringe players before lodging their final bid for the striker’s services.
Randal Kolo Muani is still under consideration at Old Trafford if a deal for Hojlund cannot be struck.
However, Eintracht Frankfurt are set to hold out for £80million for their star man – who is also the subject of interest from PSG and Bayern Munich.
Man United have held talks with Frankfurt and the player’s representatives about a potential move.