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According to a report by the Manchester Evening News, West Ham United star Declan Rice is allegedly ‘interested in joining Man United’ and has even asked Red Devils players about the club – coming as a possible worry for the Irons.

West Ham dealt possible Rice worry

Rice has arguably been David Moyes’ most crucial asset this season – whilst earning plenty of praise – and continues to attract attention from many large clubs across the Premier League.

Indeed, alongside United, reports have suggested that Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City hold a firm interest (90min) – with the MEN now providing an update.

They claim that the 22-year-old is ‘interested in joining Man United’ and has even asked Red Devils players about the Old Trafford club whilst on his last international tour with England.

It is understood by MEN that Rice spoke ‘specifically’ to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw about ‘aspects’ of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side – coming as a possible worry for Moyes and West Ham as they aim to keep hold of their star player.

Transfer Tavern take

This claim that the Irons fan favourite is open to a move away from east London, while concerning, should be alleviated by the fact West Ham could demand a huge price tag.

It is said that GSB value him at upwards of £100 million, making any club talks difficult in these circumstances, with the only caveat possibly being if Rice elects to force an exit through request.

That could depend on whether West Ham manage to seal an unprecedented European finish this season, and if so, it could put them in a very strong position.

In other news: West Ham eyeing yet another Slavia Prague gem, find out more here.

After David Gold relayed news that West Ham United loanee Jesse Lingard has officially earned his first England international call up since June 2019, many Hammers flocked to have their say with most pleading to make his move permanent.

Lingard has enjoyed a fine run of form for the Hammers since signing on a temporary deal from Manchester United in January, scoring four goals and assisting one more in just six Premier League appearances so far (WhoScored).

There have also been various rumours from the press explaining GSB want to make his move a permanent one at the end of the season, with Spanish news outlet Fichajes even claiming they have already discussed it with his parent club.

As the desire for Lingard to become an official West Ham United player grows, many Irons pleaded for it in response to Gold’s tweet relayed his England call-up announcement – while others flocked to send different messages.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Gold message

“Fair play to him and the Hammers staff for getting Jesse back to his best”

Credit: @DaysOutNow

“Hi david. Please put aside the cash to make his deal permanent. COYI”

Credit: @dean_deano88

“Sign him up”

Credit: @JhobbsyRush

“Get him signed up”

Credit: @kes6m

“Get that cheque book out!!!”

Credit: @adjury

“Sign him please David”

Credit: @RobF_WHU

In other news: West Ham fans reacted to this transfer news, find out more here.

After failing to take their chances last week, Arsenal face Benfica in the second leg of their Europa League clash on late Thursday afternoon, knowing that the tie is very much up in the air.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed a host of chances to put the game to bed, but the Gunners’ profligacy in front of goal ensured that things are left well poised at 1-1.

Mikel Arteta made a few changes to his starting line-up for the weekend’s Premier League defeat to Manchester City, perhaps with one eye on his team selection for Thursday.

And with that in mind, below is a look at how the Gunners might take to the field against Benfica.

In goal, Bernd Leno will keep his place as the Gunners’ undisputed number one, although he is likely to see some key changes to the men in front of him.

Rob Holding has been ruled out for Thursday’s game due to concussion protocols, so David Luiz should be brought back in. The Brazilian could be joined by compatriot Gabriel, as Arteta goes back to the centre-back duo that started in the first leg last week.

Depending on Kieran Tierney’s fitness, the Gunners boss may stick with the Scotsman, but on the other side, he may choose to drop Hector Bellerin, and instead go with Cedric, who of course set up Bukayo Saka’s equaliser in the reverse fixture.

In midfield, Thomas Partey is unlikely to be risked from the start despite confirmation from Arteta that he’s pushing for a recall, and that could see Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos hold down the midfield positions.

Further forward, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe should all feature, while the other big call Arteta may make is dropping Aubameyang.

The Gabon international had the horror showing in the first leg, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp even claiming he is past his best. Gabriel Martinelli has been restricted to substitute appearances lately, and is surely pushing for a start, especially given that Arteta took Aubameyang off for the 19-year-old against Benfica in the first leg.

Predicted XI: Leno; Cedric, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Martinelli.

Many Manchester United fans were left to slam the display of Mason Greenwood in their 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Old Trafford faithful were left frustrated figures at the end of the game a they dropped two more points and may find themselves dragged into a battle to stay in the top four come the end of the 2020/21 term.

Greenwood especially did not have the best of games by his standards, losing no fewer than seven of his duels while also failing to record a single shot on target or key pass (Sofascore).

The England international also lost possession of the ball 15 times, as he achieved a very measly 6.3 overall rating on Sofascore, the lowest out of any player to have set foot on the pitch.

Manchester United fan reaction to Greenwood display

These Red Devils slammed his performance on Twitter, while one MUFC supporter even went as far as to say that the 19-year-old was ‘non-existent’:

“So Ole has put his faith in Martial and Greenwood in the last few weeks and both have let him down let’s see if Donny gets an extended run now !!!!! #mufc”

Credit: @topcatcrutch

“Why for the love of sanity doesn’t Solskjaer use subs? Greenwood wasn’t useful, AT ALL! Offensively or defensively! James should’ve been on in the 50th min! A wooden post would’ve been more useful than Rashford today. And what about counter-attacks @ManUtd? Remember them? #MUFC”

Credit: @ArmyOfTheRedz

“They #MUFC were all poor tonight, but Fred, my goodness. How Ole kept him on so long is crazy. Greenwood had zero urgency, and Rashford was not up for it at all. My touch was better than his tonight.”

Credit: @Buffer1976

“#Rashford, #Greenwood & #Fernandes were non-existent #MUFC”

Credit: @NeilRaithatha

“Zero tactics. Zero urgency. Zero inspiration. Zero plan B. Rashford utter garbage yet again. Greenwood garbage. Outcoached #mufc”

Credit: @scallop_101

“Mason Greenwood regressing under Mr. DNA isn’t talked about enough. #mufc”

Credit: @ProjectMUST

In other news, find out whose display was slammed in the Europa League here!

Numerous fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed a report that claims City are interested in signing Danny Ings this summer.

According to the report by Sky Sports, with Sergio Aguero’s future at City being a “major doubt” due to the 32-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season, identifying the Argentine’s replacement has become one of Pep Guardiola’s “top priorities” prior to the summer transfer window.

As a result, the Premier League leaders have been linked with Borussia Dortmund centre-forward Erling Haaland. However, with clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea also thought to be keen on a move for the 20-year-old, Sky Sports claimed that City have identified Ings as a “more attainable” option.

After City Xtra relayed this report on Twitter, many fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty seeming furious at the prospect of their club targeting the Southampton striker instead of Haaland.

So, what exactly did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding their club’s interest in Danny Ings?

“Typical Txiki. We will not sign Haaland with that kind of mentality. Remember Boateng, Toure, Silva, Aguero and co. – it was Gary Cooks who did that. Txiki doesn’t have the skill, except paying the release clause on signing players from that statue. Yeah, we will get Ings.”

@Achillaes

“Pain.”

@KAgueroooooo

“No please, if we can’t get Haaland then go get Daka.”

@obialo_

“If Ings is what we bring in to replace Aguero I’m done.”

@MattHarl42

“No offence to Ings, but please tell me this is a joke.”

@Kellyite786

“This is a joke.”

@Reaganholness8

“This is a serious joke, right? How old is Haaland? Do we need to pool old guards, like really?”

@KatsandeA

“Get in the bin.”

@Reckers88Gaming

In other news: these Manchester City fans were left ecstatic by Sam Lee’s transfer update – find out more here!

Glasgow Rangers legend Derek Ferguson has recently claimed Leeds United may have revived their interest in Ryan Kent, but the 54-time Scottish champions simply can’t afford to let go of their star man in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

Steven Gerrard confirmed Rangers rejected a £10m bid for Kent from Leeds United in the summer and insisted he is not for sale.

However, Marcelo Bielsa is a big admirer of the 24-year-old, and Ferguson believes their pursuit of Aberdeen’s Scott Wright could signal an Ibrox exit for Kent.

He told the Open Goal podcast: “The other thing is, we don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes at Rangers. Is somebody coming in for Kent?

“There obviously has been interest from Leeds United at certain times so maybe there’s something happening there. Maybe they look at (Wright) as a replacement.”

Even though Leeds find themselves ensconced in the middle of the Premier League table, they are on the lookout to strengthen their squad by adding more pace and power to their attack.

Both Manchester City loanee Jack Harrison and Brazilian Raphinha have been in decent form this season, as The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smythe has explained, but it seems the newly-promoted club are on the hunt for a new winger, as they have been linked to all and sundry, including Adama Traore and Michael Olise.

But Kent could be next on their agenda and despite Victor Orta’s recent claims that the 54-time Scottish champions were difficult to deal with, Bielsa is still a big fan.

However, from Rangers’ perspective, Kent is a first-team starter they simply cannot afford to lose.

Stand firm

It goes without saying that Kent is far too important for their prospects of getting their hands on the title for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

Other than James Tavernier, no player has made more goal contributions than Kent in all competitions, having bagged six goals and 11 assists this season so far, via Transfermarkt. Whilst that might not seem like a lot, when you consider the fact that only five other players have scored more goals than Kent, his creative influence becomes all the more apparent.

Just to give you a better understanding of his importance, Gerrard once described him as being “fantastic to work with” after he was named the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month in September last year.

If Kent were to leave for Leeds United, his departure would create a gaping hole on the left-hand side of their attack, as it’s fair to say that neither Brandon Barker nor Jordan Jones currently meet the requirements.

Indeed, both back-up options out wide have offered very little in terms of end product when it comes to the final third, with just three goals between them this season, as per Transfermarkt, which suggests that they would be incapable of filling Kent’s boots should he depart Ibrox in the near future.

Without wanting to sound too dramatic, whilst Leeds could land themselves quite a coup, it would be nothing short of a disaster for Gerrard to lose one of his most prized assets at the halfway stage of the season. After all, there are simply no other options out there.

AND in other news, Rangers dealt huge transfer blow over Siriki Dembele, Wilson must act now…

Glasgow Rangers romped to a 4-0 win away at Falkirk to reach the quarter-finals of the Betfred Scottish League Cup.Steven Gerrard’s side largely controlled proceedings from start to finish, though there were a couple of hairy moments, as Blair Alston came close to scoring for the Bairns, only to be denied by Gers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.The Ibrox boss made seven changes to the team that drew with Benfica, which saw several fringe players stake their claim, although arguably none more so than Jermain Defoe, who replaced star striker Alfredo Morelos up front.It didn’t take too long for Defoe to make his mark, with the veteran latching onto a long ball over the top from Connor Goldson with a calm finish into the bottom corner. He could have had a second shortly afterwards but agonisingly fired wide from close range.Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Hamilton Academical head coach Brian Rice was full of praise for the former England international, saying: “It’s a fantastic ball by Goldson, but Durnan should do better. As soon as Defoe gets that ball, there’s only one place it’s going. Falkirk will be disappointed.”

Rangers have now scored a staggering 64 goals in 24 games in all competitions so far, with the wily striker contributing a tally of three goals and two assists in total, via Transfermarkt.

Borna Barisic was back to his very best, Calvin Bassey was equally brilliant, but Defoe arguably stole the show with his sublime performance as he put in a shift all over the pitch despite Gerrard switching systems from a 4-3-3 attacking formation to his preferred 4-2-3-1 to face Falkirk.

Glasgow Live gave the 38-year-old a high grade of eight out of ten for his efforts, claiming he scored ‘a tremendous goal to open the scoring and worked hard in the frontline.’

It’s perhaps hardly surprising the Light Blues enjoyed a whopping 62% possession of the ball, as the Gers have grown accustomed to dominating possession and dictating play ever since Gerrard first took charge at Ibrox, but the fact that Defoe managed to find the back of the net once again shows the full extent of the arsenal that he has at his disposal.

The Gers signed Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten for undisclosed fees on four-year-deals in the summer, which has cast doubt over his future at the club. Whilst Roofe has been able to hit the ground running, with four goals in his last three games, being able to call upon the likes of Defoe could prove to be useful as Gerrard juggles domestic and European competitions.

Despite his age, it’s fair to say that the former Tottenham Hotspur striker has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon, having scored 27 goals and supplied 10 assists in 57 games since he first arrived at Ibrox on loan from AFC Bournemouth, via Transfermarkt.

Write him off at your peril, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers missed the boat with Bordeaux striker Josh Maja…

Tottenham Hotspur return to action this evening as they look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s side face another away trip, this time to the Midlands to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium.

The north Londoners advanced into the Carabao Cup semi-finals in midweek, defeating Stoke City 3-1, but have lost their last two league outings after being defeated by Liverpool and then Leicester City last weekend.

This’ll be the first time since Christmas that Spurs have played, so it will be interesting to see what sort of side Mourinho opts for tonight.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting…

There could be as many as six changes from the side that conquered the Potters on Wednesday night.

Club captain and number one Hugo Lloris keeps his place between the sticks, as do both Eric Dier and Matt Doherty, the latter impressed enough to keep his place over Serge Aurier.

We will surely see the return of Sergio Reguilon at left-back, replacing Ben Davies, with Toby Alderweireld also coming back in for Davinson Sanchez, who has often been snubbed in the Premier League this term.

The industrious Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg played the full 90 in midweek, but should also remain in the starting lineup, whilst Moussa Sissoko returns to partner him despite Harry Winks’ Man of the Match display.

We could also see Tanguy Ndombele start with £100k-per-week Dele Alli reverting to type as the forgotten man in the English top-flight, and on the wings, Mourinho will also go back to his usual duo of Heung-min Son on the left and Steven Bergwijn on the right.

Harry Kane also played the entire match against Stoke, scoring the third and final goal, and he is also set to keep his place. If anyone is undroppable, it’s him.

It means there is no room in the XI for the likes of Erik Lamela, who returned from the bench just a few days ago, £25m signing Lucas Moura, Gareth Bale or Ben Davies.

AND in other news, “A blow” – Exclusive: Mabbutt reacts to major Spurs injury setback before Wolves clash…

For West Brom, the next few weeks could prove pivotal in their bid for Premier League survival.

Sam Allardyce’s men face five of their relegation rivals, starting with Fulham, who they welcome to the Hawthorns this afternoon.

The Cottagers sit merely two points above Albion in the standings and could go five clear with a victory in this crunch match.

If the Midlands side doesn’t pick up points in these sorts of matches, then the writing might as well already be on the wall as it’s hard to envisage any way back.

Today’s game is that cliched six-pointer – a must-win. Even in January, so it’s important for Big Sam to get his team selection spot on.

Here’s the starting Baggies XI we’re predicting…

There could be as many as four changes from the side that was walloped 5-0 by league leaders Manchester City in midweek.

Those five goals took West Brom’s home defensive record under Allardyce to a woeful zero goals scored and 17 goals conceded, at least the supporters haven’t been in attendance to witness that.

It would be wise to shore up that backline, so we may well see the inclusion of Sam Field in a defensive midfield role.

That’s one of two changes in the engine room as 20-year-old Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher returns to the side having not featured against City at all.

The pair will partner Matheus Pereira, who is deployed in a slightly more advanced position through the middle.

It means that both Romaine Sawyers and skipper Jake Livermore are axed as they probably should be, considering the duo rank as the worst two players per WhoScored average ratings.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-brom-news-and-transfer-rumours” title=”Read this week’s latest West Brom news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Defensively, there isn’t much Big Sam can do given his options but after a disappointing showing from young Dara O’Shea, we could see Kyle Bartley return.

He was potentially rested with this fixture in mind having only just returned from injury in the last couple of weeks.

He’ll partner Semi Ajayi with Kieran Gibbs and Darnell Furlong keeping their places on either flank.

Whilst in the attack, both Robert Snodgrass and Karlan Grant survive, though Allardyce may want to bring the experience of Matty Phillips back into the fold over Callum Robinson, who has failed to score or assist since September.

AND in other news, West Brom could create a lethal duo by signing 51-cap “complete package”…

West Ham United are still in talks for another signing after a busy few days, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham’s summer signings and latest rumours

Julen Lopetegui’s first competitive Premier League game as Hammers boss is days away, with the Spaniard preparing his side to take on Aston Villa at the London Stadium on August 17th. It is shaping up to be a new-look Irons starting line up, with the club and technical director Tim Steidten working extremely hard behind the scenes in the transfer market.

Recently, West Ham’s summer signings list has doubled to six after Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez all officially completed their moves to the Hammers. Summerville was the first of the trio to be announced, arriving from Leeds and was quickly followed by Fullkrug, who left Dortmund. Rodriguez was the latest and cheapest, joining on a free transfer after leaving Real Betis.

West Ham summer signings

From

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Now, attention appears to be back on more signings, with an offer on the table for experienced centre-back Mats Hummels, who is currently a free agent.

Meanwhile, Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a target this summer, with reports over the weekend suggesting that a five-year deal had been agreed with the player and a £10m offer submitted to the Red Devils.

As we know, a deal is yet to be agreed, and Romano has shared the latest.

Romano shares Wan-Bissaka to West Ham update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said that West Ham could start exploring other centre-back targets to Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice, but when it comes to Wan-Bissaka, talks are still ongoing, describing it as an “important” move for the Irons.

“Again, for Todibo, they are waiting to see what happens with Juventus, but I think they could start exploring other options in the next days, and then let's see if there will be some other opportunities.

“West Ham already did many things in the last 48 hours. They signed three players, so I think West Ham will still be active. But as of now, they are still negotiating, especially in the case of Wan-Bissaka, it's an important one for them.”

Lopetegui has Vladimir Coufal as his only recognised senior right-back option after Ben Johnson left on a free transfer to join Ipswich Town, so you can see why adding a right-back is important for West Ham.

Wan-Bissaka, who cost Man Utd £50m back in 2019, is now 26 years of age and has plenty of experience in the top flight for United and Crystal Palace, making more than 170 Premier League appearances.

Solid defensively, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for Wan-Bissaka during his tenure, telling the club's official website: "We saw an exceptional defender when I watched him last season. He had a couple of games especially against [Leroy] Sane, against Manchester City, and you think ‘wow, he’s so hard to go past'."