Pete O’Rourke transfer column: Tottenham in talks with three managers, Leeds ready forward talks, West Ham identify Rice replacement, Bayern Munich scout ‘outstanding’ Liverpool target

Thu 4 May 2023 6:40, UK

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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TOTTENHAM

The process of appointing a new manager is still ongoing following the recent chaos at Spurs, which saw Cristian Stellini replaced with Ryan Mason until the end of the season.

I’m told talks are ongoing with a number of candidates, including Julian Nagelsmann, Feyenoord boss Arne Slot and Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.

Sources say Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy want an appointment wrapped up quickly following the recent embarrassment and an arrangement could be finalised as soon as the season comes to a close.

A big factor in the talks is the future of Harry Kane.

Spurs want someone with a plan and a vision which can entice the talisman to stay at the club beyond the summer – with the likes of Man United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich all interested in stealing him away from north London.

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WEST HAM

The Irons are preparing for life without captain Declan Rice.

Arsenal are leading the race for his signature and the player himself is keen to fulfil his ambitions of competing for honours at the highest level.

There are also major doubts over the future of Tomas Soucek, who is yet to sign a new deal at London Stadium – with his current contract running until June 2024.

I’m told David Moyes was keen to add to his midfield options in January but a deal failed to materialise.

The Scot and his recruitment staff will now lay the groundwork on several midfield additions in the summer window.

Sources tell me the club’s scouts have been out to watch Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow this season.

The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and has suggested he won’t be renewing – news which has encouraged West Ham.

Frankfurt will have to agree to cash in on Sow this summer or risk losing him for free in 2024.

Fans and Irons players alike will be familiar with the holding midfield ace following his performances against West Ham in the Europa League semi-final last year (2022).

I’m told he could be available for around £30million including add-ons this summer.

West Ham are also keen to add a more creative midfield option in the off-season.

Sources say James Ward-Prowse is just one option on the radar for the Londoners, but they could find a deal for the Southampton star difficult to pull off with Tottenham and Newcastle also interested.

FULHAM

The Cottagers are bracing for massive interest in Joao Palhinha following his outstanding debut season in the Premier League.

Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the sides interested in the 27-year-old as the summer window approaches.

However, my understanding is that Bayern Munich are now ready to join the chase for Palhinha’s signature – complicating things for the Premier League’s elite.

Thomas Tuchel is keen to add a new number-six midfielder as a top priority this summer, and the Fulham star is believed to tick a lot of boxes for the German.

Bayern watched the former Sporting CP star in action for Marco Silva’s side against Aston Villa in April.

Silva hopes to keep hold of Palhinha but expects offers to arrive – and I’m told the chance of joining one of Europe’s elite sides could be too much to turn down for the player.

Fulham will demand bids in excess of £50million – and are already scouring the market for potential replacements.

The Cottagers are eyeing another busy window and Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe is on the radar as his contract in Portugal enters its final weeks.

Talks with Leeds over a permanent deal for Dan James are also likely to take place in due course.

If the Whites are relegated, I’m told they will be more than happy to let James depart Elland Road in the summer window.

He hasn’t been a regular fixture in Silva’s starting lineups, but the long-term injury to Andreas Pereira could well open the door to increased involvement in the final weeks of the season.

A final decision is likely to be made once the 2022-23 campaign is over.

ARSENAL

As well as sealing a deal for Rice, I’m told the Gunners want to add another winger in the summer window.

Arsenal have had a long-term interest in Wolves star Pedro Neto and are considering returning for him in the off-season.

They are watching his comeback from yet another long-term injury and a potential move could depend on his performances in the final weeks of the season.

WOLVES

The Midlands club are planning to resist all offers for Neto despite his limited involvement under Julen Lopetegui.

Wolves want to build on the success the Spaniard has brought to Molineux since succeeding Bruno Lage in November 2022.

I’m told a prolific striker is one of the top priorities for Lopetegui in the summer window.

Goals have been an issue for Wolves despite their turnaround in form under the ex-Real Madrid boss, and they are the lowest scorers in the division.

My understanding is that they are pushing the hardest to seal a summer deal for Coventry City star Victor Gyokeres.

The Sky Blues are resigned to losing Gyokeres if they can’t seal promotion this season as he has just a year left on his contract.

Several clubs are monitoring his situation, including Leeds, Everton, Fulham and Crystal Palace – while promoted Burnley have also joined the race.

Wolves are trying to steal a march on their rivals to complete an early-window deal but will have to wait on the outcome of Coventry’s potential play-off campaign.

The Championship club will be able to demand a decent fee of between £15-20million plus add-ons if they cannot achieve promotion.

In terms of outgoings, I’m told there are big question marks over the futures of Diego Costa and Raul Jimenez.

Costa, who has scored just once this term, is out of contract next month and is unlikely to receive renewed terms.

Wolves tried to sell Jimenez last summer (2022) and it is believed they will be open to offers once again in the off-season.