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West Ham United have already been "doing lots of work behind the scenes" to smooth the transition away from Declan Rice and find the best replacements they can, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Who are West Ham United going to sign to replace Declan Rice?

It has been the first proper transfer saga of the summer, and despite no official announcement coming from either team, transfer expert David Ornstein has already confirmed that a fee of £105m was agreed between Arsenal and the Irons for the services of England international Rice.

While losing your club captain and talisman is never a good thing, the loss will have been somewhat softened by the massive influx of cash the Hammers have received in return, cash they are already working on using to find the best replacements they can for the 24-year-old.

The first player heavily linked to David Moyes' side once it was clear that they would lose Rice was Fulham's one-man midfield, the tenacious Portuguese international Joao Palhinha.

The East London club were heavily linked to Europe's leading tackler last month, but reports of a £90m price tag put the brakes on their, and many others, interest in the 27-year-old.

However, the Guardian reported last week that the Cottagers have reconsidered their demands, now valuing their midfield lynchpin at the far more reasonable £50m, something West Ham could seriously consider with their recent windfall.

The same article from the English publication has also claimed that the Irons are 'considering' whether or not to push ahead with a loan move for Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria.

The Swiss midfielder spent an injury-filled six months on loan to fellow London side Chelsea last year, making just ten appearances for the Blues. The loan move would also include an option to buy for just (£15m)

Bristol City's exciting youngster Alex Scott has also been linked to the London Stadium recently, with Football Insider claiming that the club were in a 'strong position' to secure his signature earlier this week.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about West Ham United?

Sheth was clear that the Hammers will have already been working on sounding out replacements for Rice whilst the sale has been going on but that they will likely have to change how they play next season slightly.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Life after Declan Rice is starting already because West Ham will be doing lots of work behind the scenes on replacements for him.

"It's very difficult to bring in one player in that position and say, 'There you go, do what Declan Rice does.'

"It might mean that West Ham have to tweak the way they play and maybe bring in two or three new midfielders."

Who else might be leaving West Ham United this summer?

While the footballing world's attention has unsurprisingly been set on the saga surrounding Declan Rice's departure from the Irons this summer, some of the club's other big names have either already left or are rumoured to be on the way out.

The "brilliant" Manuel Lanzini was one of those that left the club after his contract expired on June 30th. The Argentinian made 226 appearances in Claret and Blue, scoring 32 goals and playing a crucial role in the club's Europa Conference League triumph last month.

Fullback Ben Johnson could also be on the way out this summer as Football Insider reported earlier this year that the out-of-favour defender was still a target of Everton after the club first registered their interest in the player during the January transfer window.

Whoever comes in and whoever ends up leaving, one thing we can all be sure of is that it will be an exciting and busy summer for West Ham United.

Tottenham Hotspur have certainly started their new reign under Ange Postecoglou with a bang, having already cemented five permanent additions this summer already.

The Australian coach will be far from finished too, and there feels like a renewed sense of belief has flooded over this part of north London, which seemed dead and buried as last season slumped to its miserable conclusion.

Many will hope that the former Celtic boss can emulate and even elevate beyond the levels set by Mauricio Pochettino, and create a new longstanding and sustainable dynasty for years to come.

However, to do that he will need to make more signings than he already has done. He could even take a few notes from the way in which the Argentine began his tenure at White Hart Lane, especially with regard to bolstering his backline.

Last season Spurs shipped 63 goals in the Premier League, making them the sixth-worst defence in the division.

They are crying out for a truly dominant centre-back to solve these frailties, and in Aymeric Laporte, they could have the answer to these prayers.

With strong links persisting throughout this window already, and a startlingly low reported price tag of €30m (£26m), Manchester City might be set to do Spurs the ultimate favour to truly get things underway for Postecoglou.

Is Aymeric Laporte a good player?

Having moved to the Etihad in 2018, the Spain international has largely been a mainstay for Pep Guardiola throughout his tenure. However, just last season saw his influence wane somewhat, as the system shifted and left him with just 11 starts in the league.

That is not to suggest that his quality has declined at all though, as the 2021/22 season saw him enjoy some of his best football since joining the Premier League.

During that campaign, the 29-year-old maintained a 7.12 average rating in the league, which was buoyed by his 95% pass accuracy, one tackle and 1.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Journalist Duncan Castles even lauded him as "one of Manchester City’s few aerially powerful players" back in 2019 too, with fellow writer Bill DiFilippo also branding him a "warrior".

Boasting incredible technical proficiency to pair well with his 6 foot 2 frame, Laporte has all the qualities needed to perhaps emulate the success Jan Vertonghen enjoyed across his eight-year spell in north London.

Joining in 2012, it felt like his career only really kickstarted once Pochettino arrived. However, the former Ajax man – who was once hailed as "dominant" by journalist Henry Winter – would then become one of the division's most outstanding central defenders, silencing strikers and creating from deep.

As a left-footed titan who also stood at 6 foot 2, he would muster 315 appearances for the Lilywhites, the pinnacle of which likely came during the 2016/17 year. There he would record a 7.31 average match rating, with his 85% pass accuracy, 1.3 tackles and seven clearances per game reaffirming his dominance, via Sofascore.

Laporte may be far older than the Belgian was when he first joined, but he could still have that same calming presence with which a solid defensive foundation could be built.

Not to mention his insane winning experience – having claimed the treble last term – which would hopefully aid Postecoglou's mission to shift the mentality and finally bring some long-lasting success to a club that has been starved of it in recent years.

Defensively, Leeds United were simply not good enough last season, shipping 78 in total – the most in the Premier League – as they suffered relegation to the Championship in just their third season back in the top flight.

In a frantic campaign, the Yorkshire club went through three managers, starting with Jesse Marsch, before handing Javi Gracia the task of keeping them up, and eventually having one more desperate throw of the dice, hiring Sam Allardyce. None of the three managers could address their defensive issues, however.

Now, it is up to new man Daniel Farke to get them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. And to do that, he may need to replicate the leadership of the likes of Liam Cooper by securing summer target Nat Phillips – something that transfer insider Dean Jones believes the Liverpool defender is capable of doing.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones said: “I mean, Liam Cooper was never someone you would typically get most excited about seeing on the ball or anything like that, but when you see the team sheet, he was a player as a Leeds fan that you’d always want to be on there on their rise to the Premier League.

"And they need to find that again, and maybe Nat Phillips has the determination and the focus and the talent to replicate that. They certainly have got to find figures like that if they’re going to bounce back.”

How does Nat Phillips compare to Liam Cooper?

When compared, Phillips and Cooper have been incredibly similar players throughout their respective Premier League careers.

As per FBref, the Liverpool man, who has a "colossal" frame, just about edges the Scot when on the ball, with a better pass completion rate and more progressive passes per 90 – something that could prove crucial in the Championship when Leeds will likely enjoy more possession than in the Premier League.

Off the ball, Cooper makes more blocks, wins more tackles, and makes more interceptions than Phillips, who, to his credit, is still within touching distance of all three statistics.

It must be said, too, that Phillips has played in a Liverpool side which holds the majority of possession, reducing the need to block, tackle, and intercept compared to that of Cooper's in a Leeds side who were pinned back in their own half in the Premier League.

Praising his defender back in 2020, Klopp said: "He's a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything. He's not easy on the eye, he's not Messi but who cares?'

"In the air, he's a monster! He was incredible.

"For the first game, I think everyone can imagine how nervy that must be after a long wait. It's a crazy story, three years ago he was on his way to America to college.

"Twelve Championship teams wanted him and to me it was clear he was going, and I was fine with that – and it didn't work out for whatever reason, and it's great! Tonight he was spot on, helped the team incredibly."

Currently valued at £10m by Liverpool, according to The Athletic, it's the 26-year-old's experience in such a possession-heavy side that could be crucial for Farke.

He has played at the very top, winning at the San Siro in the Champions League against AC Milan. Phillips can not only replicate Cooper's ability, he can exceed it.

Liverpool are still interested in completing the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Is Barella linked with Liverpool?

The 26-year-old enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season for Inter, arguably standing out as their most influential player at times, and helping them go all the way to the Champions League final, which they eventually lost narrowly to Manchester City.

Barella cemented his reputation as one of the best players in Serie A with a tally of six goals and assists apiece in the division, proving to be a creative force in the middle of the park.

Given the £154,000-a-week midfielder's reputation, it is no surprise to see him being linked with a move away from his current club this summer, and Liverpool appear to be one of the front-runners to acquire his signature.

The Reds are continuing to search for midfield reinforcements to join Alexis Mac Allister in arriving at Anfield, and rumours of them snapping up Barella are refusing to go away even despite the likely addition of Dominik Szoboszlai.

What's the latest on Barella to Liverpool?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti on Twitter, Barella is also still a genuine target for Liverpool before the 2023/24 Premier League season gets underway:

"Barella remains a target for Liverpool to strengthen the midfield. LFC are internally evaluating if made a concrete move (bid!) for Nicolo in the next days. Inter – to date – consider the player non-transferable."

This is another encouraging update when it comes to Liverpool's pursuit of Barella, with the Italy Euro 2020 winner and one-time Serie A champion someone who could be a wonderful signing for the Merseysiders.

He ticks so many different boxes when it comes to what Jurgen Klopp is after this summer, possessing more end product than any current Reds midfielders, as 12 goal contributions in the league last season prove.

Barella is so much more than just a creative force, however, possessing lots of intelligence on and off the ball, not to mention a great work ethic – one that saw him average 1.4 tackles per game in Serie A last term.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has described the Inter star as a "fantastic" player and the idea of him slotting into the Reds' midfield alongside Mac Allister and possibly Szoboszlai is mouthwatering, suddenly giving them the legs and creativity that was so sorely lacking for vast chunks of last season.

David de Gea wants to stay at Manchester United but his future looks far from certain, journalist David Ornstein has claimed.

What's the latest on David De Gea?

The Spaniard's £375k-per-week contract is set to expire this summer, but whilst an extension previously looked to be on the cards, there is currently no resolution and he could depart for free.

The 32-year-old has come in for criticism following some glaring errors this season, and Erik ten Hag could look to move on from United's longest serving player.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Ornstein outlined that whilst De Gea is still keen to extend his deal and remain at Old Trafford, he could depart if United choose to replace him.

"It's a huge decision for Manchester United. I think De Gea wants to stay, he intends to report back after the summer break, at which point he'll be out of contract as things stand," he stated.

"Manchester United are not seeing the 30th June as a hard deadline, so they presumably think they could still come to an agreement with him. There were reports recently that the agreement was there, but it doesn't seem that it's there in full and so it presents Manchester United with a massive decision.

"Do they renew him on reduced wages, but still really significant, when he's not the sort of player that Ten Hag is looking for from his goalkeeper, or do they go for somebody else and let him go as a free agent and go for Andre Onana for example, he has been linked or one of a number of keepers that will be gettable.

"So this is a pretty seismic moment for Manchester United and De Gea, and it's gone this far, it looks like he may well leave."

Should Man United keep De Gea?

Although he previously operated at a world-class level for United over the years, it is clear that Ten Hag needs to upgrade on his number one goalkeeper.

De Gea's poor ability on the ball and in the air, which sees him ranked in the bottom 10% of European keepers for both goal kicks and crosses claimed via FBref, fails to help United in possession.

Ten Hag's style, which saw Andre Onana play the ball out from the back at Ajax, may require a more modern keeper than De Gea, and given that the former Spain international could depart for free and make space on United's wage bill, now seems to be the ideal time to move on and find a replacement.

Fans online have been left stunned after Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford pulled off a brilliant bit of skill for England in their most recent match.

What was the score in England v Malta?

On Friday night, the Three Lions travelled away from home to Malta looking to maintain their spot at the top of their Euro 2024 qualifying group.

And Gareth Southgate’s men we able to make it three wins from three as they cruised to a 4-0 victory thanks to a midfield masterclass from new No 10 Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Indeed, the Liverpool defender played a beautiful through-ball to open up the defence for England’s opener from an own goal before rifling in a fine effort to make it 2-0. Harry Kane won and scored a penalty to make it 3-0 before half-time, while Callum Wilson also scored from the spot later on in the match.

Rashford didn’t start the game, but did come on for Jordan Henderson on the hour mark and was able to make a positive contribution with one fine moment in particular.

Indeed, as shared in this footage on Twitter, he picked the ball up on the left flank and did a couple of sharp stepovers before leaving his man for dead with an elastico.

After seeing the replay of the 25-year-old, it’s safe to say a number of fans were left rather impressed and they soon flocked to social media to express their thoughts.

Here are some of the best Twitter reactions…

Supporters were seriously impressed.

Arsenal are ready to exercise their strengths this summer, as the Gunners are linked to a Bundesliga ace following the official opening of the transfer window.

After a strong season in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta will hope to make reinforcements with the aim to reduce the gap between his side and Manchester City ahead of the next campaign.

The latest link could add significant firepower to the Spaniard’s attack, in a move that could see him add the essence of Pep Guardiola in north London as he has before.

What’s the latest on Moussa Diaby to Arsenal?

As reported by French outlet L’Equipe – relayed by Get French Football News – Arsenal are interested in Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby.

The report claims that the Gunners are ‘ahead’ of Premier League rivals Newcastle United in the race to claim the Frenchman’s signature.

A separate report from the Evening Standard added that the German side are expecting a fee in the region of £65m for their star, who is contracted until 2025.

What could Moussa Diaby offer to Arsenal?

Hailed as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes, the 23-year-old could inspire Arteta to take another page out of Guardiola’s book in adding competition to the attack.

The Spaniard used his expertise to get the best form out of both Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish this season, not hesitating to rotate between the two throughout the Premier League campaign.

By inducing competition between the two wingers, the treble-winning manager enabled the duo to contribute a combined 27 G/A in encouraging them to fight for their starting place consistently.

Arteta could learn a trick from his former teacher in signing Diaby, who could inject competition in numerous areas of Arsenal’s front line due to his versatility in positioning.

Despite being deployed primarily on the right wing, the Frenchman can be used as a left-winger or even as an option to lead the line thanks to his finishing and technical ability in the final third.

Contributing nine goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, the 23-year-old has the skill to impact the game from both a playmaking and finishing point of view, as supported by his average numbers per game.

As per WhoScored, the Leverkusen gem averaged 1.8 key passes per game in the league, as well as 1.5 dribbles per game, showcasing his strengths individually on the ball and as a ball-playing asset to his teammates.

The introduction of Diaby could inspire the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to enhance their performance in order to maintain their ranks in the team, with the Frenchman possessing the ability to dethrone those stars.

Arteta could replicate the competition that Guardiola influences in his squad to make them the best of the best and after delivering City the treble this season, the Spaniard isn’t the worst figure to have gained experience from on the touchline.

Manchester United have made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach over a move for midfielder Kouadio Kone.

The Lowdown: Kone profiled

Kone, described as an ‘interesting box-to-box’ midfielder, signed for Monchengladbach last year in a deal worth £8.1m. The 21-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in a defensive or attacking midfield role.

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He’s valued at a career-high £13.5m by Transfermarkt and was a regular in the Bundesliga last season, making 27 appearances.

The Latest: United links

Sports Witness relayed an update from L’Equipe on Friday regarding Kone. They claim that United are one of three top clubs who have made ‘initial contact’ over a move for Kone.

The report adds that Ralf Rangnick has been tracking Kone for several years.

The Verdict: De Jong alternative?

Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield ranks at Old Trafford, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong seemingly a top target.

Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils reached an agreement with Barcelona for De Jong, however, the midfielder is thought to be unconvinced over a move to United and has snubbed a reunion with Ten Hag.

Should that be the case, then Kone could well emerge as an alternative midfield target, and you’d like to think a move for the Frenchman would be a lot cheaper, which could help the club in their attempts to sign striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

Liverpool have taken their Premier League title challenge with Manchester City down to the last day of the season after taking all three points from St Mary’s last night.

Jurgen Klopp made the decision to rest key players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold for their penultimate league game after a tough 120 minute FA Cup Final on Sunday against Chelsea where the club picked up their second trophy of the season.

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Luckily for the German coach his decision to rest players paid off. Although the game was tight between the two teams, Liverpool pulled through and prevailed in their efforts winning 2-1.

Despite the tight scoreline, the Kopites dominated in every area of the game with 71% possession, 20 more shots, over twice as many accurate passes and winning more duels than Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side on Tuesday evening.

The goal-scoring started with Southampton taking an early lead when Nathan Redmond found the back of the net in the 13th minute of the game, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Liverpool’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup top scorer Taki Minamino who delivered a defiant response by equalising in the 27th minute.

In the second half, the hosts struggled to contain their visitors and Joel Matip managed to put one past Alex McCarthy in the 67th minute to kill the game and ruin Manchester City’s Premier League title party and take their title chances all the way to the final day of the season.

One player who didn’t get on the scoresheet but remained resilient and put on a solid performance to become Klopp’s unsung hero in the game was James Milner.

According to SofaScore, the 36-year-old midfielder was supreme in possession, making 123 touches, 86 passes, six key passes and successfully delivering 100% of his long balls.

The former £150k-per-week England international was also superb from a defensive point of view, winning 80% of his duels whilst making four tackles, one interception and producing a clearance, proving that he was a huge presence in the centre of the pitch.

With those kinds of statistics in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that writer Taj Ali took to Twitter to describe the veteran as a “beast.”

The Liverpool vice-captain is currently negotiating a new deal with the club after Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants to keep the former Man City star at the club for next season, and spoke out on Klopp and his current contract situation recently in an interview with Alan Shearer for The Athletic:

“He’s one of the very best managers in the world and if he wants me here for another year, it would be silly not to play, wouldn’t it?”

The Merseyside giants will have to hope Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa can steal the game from Man City on Sunday if they have any chance of winning the league but Klopp’s side have done their job in making sure they can stay involved with the challenge which is all the manager can ask from his side ahead of their Champions League final clash with Real Madrid at the end of the month.

AND in other news: Liverpool eyeing bid for “complete” £36m-rated colossus, he’s even better than Fabinho…

Sunderland are interested in Birmingham City starlet Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. 

The lowdown

The younger Bellingham still plays for Birmingham City, where his sibling made also made his breakthrough. Dortmund agreed a fee that could rise beyond £30million to recruit Jude from St Andrew’s, and the Blues even retired the player’s number 22 shirt.

Jobe, 16, made his Championship debut against Preston in January and also played the final half-hour on the last day of the season against Blackburn Rovers.

An attacking midfielder who can also play out wide, he too has been linked with Dortmund.

The latest

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope broke the transfer news on Monday as Sunderland ‘explore [an] ambitious move’ for Bellingham.

They apparently ‘invited’ the player and his family to the Stadium of Light for a ‘recent home game’.

Hope stresses that Sunderland will win have to win promotion to the Championship for the deal to be viable.

The verdict

Bellingham’s first-team chances have been limited, but he’s underlined his potential at youth level.

He’s scored five goals in nine matches in the Under-18 Premier League, and that’s helped to earn him 13 appearances at Under-23 level, as well as eight caps for England’s U17s. (via Transfermarkt).

Tellingly, he’s already valued at £450,000 even though he’s still so young and has barely featured at the senior level.

Can Sunderland compete if top clubs like Dortmund are sniffing around too? Well, they may have a key advantage.

As Hope points out, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was previously the academy director at Birmingham and enjoys a close relationship with the player’s parents – Mark and Denise Bellingham – given the role he played in Jude’s development.

Sunderland hope that this connection will be key.

In other news, The Black Cats risk losing this key figure.