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West Ham lead to the race to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes this summer, but face competition for his signature from other Premier League clubs, as per Matt Law of The Telegraph.

The fire sale has begun at the Kingpower Stadium after their disastrous season ended in relegation to the Championship, and a host of Premier League clubs have lined up to attempt to sign some of the club’s best assets this summer.

West Ham transfer news – Harvey Barnes

It is set to be a busy summer at the London Stadium after West Ham owner David Sullivan confirmed that Declan Rice would be leaving West Ham during this transfer window.

According to Sam Dean and Law, the Hammers have priced Declan Rice at £92m.

Bayern Munich and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Rice, but Arsenal are currently leading the race to sign the Europa Conference League-winning captain.

West Ham aim to spend the windfall from Rice’s transfer to acquire English winger Harvey Barnes, according to the aforementioned report.

The Irons will face Premier League competition in the fight to sign Barnes, with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all expected to make a run at the 25-year-old.

It is believed that the Foxes currently value Barnes at £40m, but West Ham are likely to start the bidding at around £30m.

Should West Ham sign Harvey Barnes?

Since joining the Midlands outfit from Barnsley in 2018, Barnes has been an important piece in the side – as per Transfermarkt, he has notched 45 goals and 32 appearances in 187 appearances, primarily from a left-wing position.

The tricky winger, who has one cap for England, was a key member of the Leicester side that won the FA Cup in 2021, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.

Michael Cox of The Athletic once stated that Barnes’ game 'is almost solely based around the simplest concept in football: the give and go', arguing the Burnley native’s style is simple and direct, but effective.

Barnes, who Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once hailed as an "unbelievable player," loves playing one-two passes with his inside forward, and this play style could work wonders in a David Moyes system where the striker often has his back to goal holding up play.

The speed of the player is also one of his greatest strengths.

His top speed of 35.44km/h ranked sixth of all Premier League midfielders last year, and this electric pace would surely be a significant upgrade on the left wing for West Ham over Said Benrahma.

Leeds United have been a side never shy in front of goal, whether it be under the exceptional Marcelo Bielsa or even the struggling Jesse Marsch.

Even when trundling towards the drop last term, the Whites still managed to notch 48 goals, outscoring most of their relegation competition. This does mark a far cry from the 62 they scored during that imperious return to the top flight though.

However, recent reports have emerged suggesting that Rodrigo, their top scorer from that torrid later campaign, has a release clause of just €3.5m (£3m), making the Spaniard ripe for the plucking from Elland Road.

A huge chunk of that aforementioned figure could be set to depart.

Given he was initially bought for £27m, the club are set to make a monumental loss on the 32-year-old who offered a brief glimmer of hope throughout a dark and depressing year in Yorkshire.

To offset such financial failures, the 49ers will have to be shrewd in this summer window, likely scouring from within the Championship or the free-agent market to find their deals.

Fortunately, an option within the latter has come to light, with soon-to-be departing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele free from his £51k-per-week contract this summer, and reportedly on the list of Leeds' new ownership.

Could Moussa Dembele replace Rodrigo at Leeds United?

Having scored 13 league goals for a relegated side, Rodrigo has already proven himself a fine asset more than capable of starring in the top flight. His exit is almost a guarantee given the tiny fee attached to him.

However, this French forward could perhaps pose a fine alternative, despite the statistics of late suggesting a recent loss of form.

Just three goals in 23 Ligue 1 showings are a harsh indicator, given the form of Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him. The 26-year-old has only started eight games in the league.

As the machine-like striker in the season prior, he showcased his true talents by finding the net on 21 occasions, proving himself more than capable of leading the line. When handed confidence and a run of games, the former Celtic man has proven his talent in front of goal.

That spell in Scotland, where he would score 51 goals in just 94 games, saw Brendan Rodgers rush to praise him. The currently out-of-work manager claimed:

"Moussa has everything with his power and pace. It was a different sort of system and the boys looked a real threat and linked up really well.

“His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate. He was excellent. I am very pleased to have him back and his contribution."

With the 49ers having inherited something of a mess in this Leeds team, still licking their wounds from a relegation that three different managers could not halt, they could offer some clarity by making a confident first foray into the market.

Not only would it mark a huge statement of intent, but it would also offer an immediate replacement should Rodrigo exit Elland Road.

Manchester United's proposed new contract for their goalkeeper David de Gea is ready to go but just waiting on the club to make their final decision.

How much does David de Gea earn?

There were a lot of positives to take from Erik ten Hag's first campaign at Old Trafford after the Red Devils lifted the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League football.

However, the Premier League giants go into the summer transfer window with a lot of significant questions still lingering over the club.

Of course, the future of the current ownership will remain the biggest concern for most fans at Old Trafford with still no real indication as to whether the Glazers will stay or sell.

But another question will remain whether De Gea will be provided with a new deal following the conclusion of his contract at Old Trafford which is set to expire at the end of the month.

It is believed the Spain goalkeeper has been earning in the region of £375k-per-week on his current deal which is set to expire.

However, a potential new deal for the 32-year-old is expected to see him take a significant pay cut which would still see him take home around £200k-per-week.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the proposed contract is ready to go but United are still deciding on whether to stick with the Spaniard:

"I told you guys, the situation looks strange around De Gea because the agreement between De Ge and Man United is almost done; it's about the final details since the end of March.

"But it's also real that at the moment they are not signing the contract and so De Ge is a potential free agent. But at the moment the situation looks really strange more on the club's side than the player's side. De Gea will be ready to sign but at the moment it still doesn't have the final green light from Man United."

What goalkeeper could Man United sign?

Although the Red Devils are said to have this proposed contract at the ready for De Gea this summer, they have been linked with a number of potential options.

Indeed, reports have suggested Ten Hag holds a keen interest in the England and Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford this summer.

The report claims the former Sunderland goalkeeper could be made available over the coming weeks for a fee in the region of £30m given the Toffees financial issues.

But it is not just Pickford who has been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford this summer.

Indeed, talkSPORT's report has suggested there is an interest in the 34-year-old Yann Sommer and Inter Milan's Andre Onana.

It was not a season which De Gea will look back on as one of his best – ironically despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove – given some of the criticism he received.

However, it does seem as if he could still be set to ink a big-money deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Blackburn Rovers have identified Brighton and Hove Albion prospect Andrew Moran as a target, with the Lancashire side engaged in talks to bring him to Ewood Park on loan this summer, according to TEAMtalk.

Blackburn Rovers transfer news – Andrew Moran identified

Unlike recent years, Rovers have been active early this summer, already bringing two new faces into the club as they look to build on Jon Dahl Tomasson's first season in charge.

Having missed out on the playoffs on the final day of the season through goal difference, the club have got to work early, signing Plymouth Argyle's forward Niall Ennis and Norwegian international Sondre Tronstad on free transfers.

The club has also signed former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Tom Bloxham following the midfielder's release from the North London club.

With Ben Brereton Diaz, Bradley Dack and Daniel Ayala just several names that have departed Ewood Park already, and with a couple of key first-team players like Lewis Travis linked to a move away, the side have plenty of holes to fill and Brighton's young gem is the next name they've identified as a target.

Moran was in blistering form for the Seagulls' U21 side last season and would be an upgrade on Sammie Szmodics, who has been a key player for Tomasson's team since his arrival last summer.

How does Andrew Moran compare to Sammie Szmodics?

While the 19-year-old prodigy didn't enjoy the brightest of starts to life at Rovers, Szmodics really came into his own towards the end of the season and became a vital member of Tomasson's side as they chased a playoff place.

With seven goals and three assists in all competitions, he played a key role in the club's campaign, but replacing him with Moran could actually improve the club's offensive output.

With 11 goals and six assists for Brighton's U21 side last year, including a goal against Blackburn's youth team when the two met in November, the teenager has already shown both a goal-scoring ability and a creative vision that will benefit the side massively.

One of Rovers' biggest issues last season was a lack of firepower up front, so adding Moran, who hit double figures in the Premier League 2, could go a long way to fixing that weakness.

While Szmodics worked best in the no.10 role, Moran has the versatility to play in a number of different positions, including either wing and as an attacking midfielder, so with a long Championship season ahead of them, having a player capable of performing in a variety of areas will benefit Rovers and is just another reason why the 19-year-old is an improvement on the former Peterborough man.

Having been labelled the "Irish Phil Foden" in the past by former Seagulls youth coach Mark Beard, big things are expected of the youngster – who his ex-manager Graham Potter once hailed as a "quality" talent with "huge potential" – going forward and bringing him in on loan would significantly strengthen Rovers' side and offer a big upgrade on the current personnel.

Tottenham Hotspur will feel that Brenford 'have to cave in at some point' regarding their valuation of goalkeeper David Raya, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving David Raya?

According to 90min, Spurs have communicated to Raya that they may be willing to walk away from a deal to sign him if Brentford don't lower their asking price for the Spain international.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is said to want around £40 million before he considers sanctioning Raya's departure, which has led Tottenham to evaluate potential alternatives in their hunt for a new goalkeeper, including Guglielmo Vicario, Robert Sanchez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Gregor Kobel.

Football Insider claim that Manchester United could be ready to hijack Tottenham's attempt to bring Raya to north London this summer amid uncertainty over the future of David De Gea.

Red Devils' boss Erik Ten Hag is believed to be a big fan of Raya's ability to play out with the ball at his feet and is keen to offer him the opportunity to swap the Gtech Community Stadium for Old Trafford.

Capology understand that Raya earns around £25,000 per week at his current employers on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Tottenham will expect Brentford to 'cave in' over Raya's valuation at some point during the window.

Jones told FFC: "I think that they feel that Brentford have to cave in at some point and actually negotiate. Brentford can't be left with Raya on the bench next season. It's not helpful to anyone, and his value will drop anyway, so if he's not in the team, you might as well have sold him because he's not going to be £40 million at any point in the future. He's been quite diplomatic about it, to be fair to him."

Would David Raya be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

Raya would be an intelligent pickup from Ange Postecoglou this summer as he looks to get his ducks in a row in the transfer market ahead of the new season.

In 2022/23, the 27-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions for Brentford, managing to keep 12 clean sheets in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As shown on WhoScored, Raya also features among Brentford's top five performers for his performances during the campaign, having achieved an average match rating of 6.97/10.

FBRef show that Raya was a reliable presence between the sticks for the Bees and racked up an impressive save percentage rate of 77.7%.

Despite this, it remains unclear whether Raya will end up at Tottenham this window as their pursuit of the stopper threatens to turn into a long-winded saga at Hotspur Way.

Chelsea might "move first" in the brewing race for Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga's signature, claims journalist Ben Jacobs.

Chelsea transfer news – what's the latest on Gabri Veiga?

It's been a crazy couple of weeks at Stamford Bridge, with the club going from having so many players that some had to change in hallways last season to suddenly selling six first-team players, all before July 1st.

That number could soon be seven as well, as Manchester United finally look like they have made the breakthrough in their pursuit of Mason Mount after the Blues finally accepted their third and final bid for the midfielder, a cool £55m plus £5m in add-ons.

The mass exodus of talent has given the West Londoners some financial wriggle room, and with Mount potentially leaving a hole in attacking midfield, the club seem to have identified their perfect replacement, Veiga.

According to the Evening Standard, the club are now 'expected to move' for the dynamic midfielder, who has a release clause of only £34.6m with La Liga outfit Celta Vigo.

Todd Boehly and Co may want to get a move on, however, as Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool have also been heavily linked with the player this summer, with transfers expert Fabrizio Romano reporting "he's one of the players Liverpool are following."

What has journalist Ben Jacobs said about Gabri Veiga and Chelsea?

Jacobs was clear that multiple Premier League clubs were interested in the Celta Vigo star, but the Blues and Manchester City were ahead of the curve in terms of a potential deal.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "The feeling is that both Chelsea and Man City might be the ones to move first here. Don't rule out Liverpool but what we should say is there's other Premier League clubs that at the moment are advancing a little bit faster."

How good is Gabri Veiga?

There is a lot of hype and excitement around the 21-year-old gem, and for good reason.

He had a brilliant season in La Liga last year, with WhoScored giving the youngster, who has been hailed as "elite", a great average rating of 6.82 across his 36 league appearances, in which he scored 11 goals and assisted his teammates four times.

His underlying numbers are outrageously good as well, with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing the youngster in the top 1% for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for total shots, the top 3% for non-penalty expected goals, and the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons.

It's not just his technical skills that have won him plaudits, however, as he has been credited for his smarts as well, with Bournemouth's new manager Andoni Iraola hailing the player as "very intelligent."

If Chelsea can get this deal over the line, they could have one of the league's very best players on their hands a few years from now.

Manchester United are reportedly in the race for Leicester City winger, Harvey Barnes, despite the Englishman having seemingly been nearing a move to rivals, Newcastle United.

What are the latest Man United transfer rumours?

With United having already wrapped up a deal for Barnes' compatriot, Mason Mount, the Daily Mail have reported that the Red Devils – as well as West Ham United – are also admirers of the Foxes ace, with the 25-year-old looking destined to leave the newly-relegated side this summer.

As per the report, while it is the Magpies who remain the frontrunners for the forward's signature, the belief is that Eddie Howe's side are struggling to match Leicester's £40m valuation, potentially opening the door for the Old Trafford outfit to pounce.

The former West Bromwich Albion loanee still has two years left to run on his existing deal at the King Power Stadium, although it would appear highly unlikely that he will remain as part of the club's push for promotion next term.

Do Man United need Harvey Barnes?

With Erik ten Hag also having the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho at his disposal, there may be those scratching their heads at the prospect of signing another player who predominantly features on the left flank.

That being said, there have been reports that the former Ajax boss is seeking to acquire a new option in that role, with that revelation coming amid claims that Sancho could be on his way, having fallen out of favour of late.

There could also be a world in which Rashford is utilised as a central striker next season – as he did so frequently last term – even if United are to snap up promising Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, with it yet to be seen if the towering Dane can be relied upon having netted just nine Serie A goals in 2022/23.

With those factors in mind, it would then make sense to provide competition to young Garnacho with the capture of Barnes, with the Burnley-born speedster having proven his credentials in recent years having bagged 45 goals and laid on 32 assists in 187 games for his current side.

It is also noteworthy that the highly-coveted "livewire" – as hailed by pundit Alan Hutton – is also said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities with that man Rashford, according to FBref, ensuring that Barnes could be a useful rival to his fellow Englishman, while also taking on the academy graduate's role on the left if he is to be deployed through the middle.

That likeness can be seen by the fact that the pair can both offer a clinical attacking threat, with Rashford having scored 17 league goals last season, while Barnes chipped in with 13 top-flight goals despite Leicester's drop into the second tier.

That has ensured that the current Red Devils talisman ranks in the top 1% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for non-penalty goals, while his Foxes counterpart is only just behind as he ranks in the top 6% in that regard.

Much like Rashford has been lauded as "unstoppable" by Ten Hag for "his speed, his dribbles and his directness", Barnes also possesses that "raw pace" which can pose a real menacing prospect for the opposition, as per Hutton.

Having seen the impact Rashford had last term – after bagging 30 goals in all competitions – to then find a possible clone in the form of the £35k-per-week speedster would be a real coup.

Manchester United have been on an extensive search to identify their next big-name striker this summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's pursuit of one particular target.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Rasmus Hojlund?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Manchester United are preparing a "new proposal" to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Galetti revealed on Twitter:

"Talks on between #ManUTD and #Atalanta for #Højlund.

"Understand that after the closure of the deal with Inter for Onana, #MUFC will prepare a new proposal for Rasmus.

"The position of the 🇮🇹 club for the 🇩🇰 striker is the same: £50m to evaluate his farewell."

What is Rasmus Hojlund's style of play?

It is no secret that Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster the centre-forward role at Old Trafford following the premature exit of Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of last year, and the club has been linked with a number of strikers across Europe.

Harry Kane, Goncalo Ramos and Victor Osimhen are just some of the big-name goal machines that have been tipped for a move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, however, it is looking increasingly likely that the United boss will put his faith in Hojlund to develop and flourish under his guidance.

The 6 foot 2 youngster has been a stand-out performer for Atalanta owing to his strong stature and hold-up play that allows others to become involved in his attacking prowess, which has ultimately led to comparisons to Erling Haaland already.

In an interview, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini claimed:

"Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also the technical quality that is just remarkable. He still has so much margin for improvement, too.

"He has very similar characteristics to Haaland. He is so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m and that’s not even trying very hard. Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day."

This style of play could be perfectly complemented by the presence of Mason Mount in midfield – United's first signing of the summer – and the pair could form an attacking partnership next season that would be unstoppable against opponents, both in the Premier League and on the European stage.

According to WhoScored, the former Chelsea maestro boasts strengths in taking set-pieces, key passes and through balls, as well as his highest-rated position (6.89) last season being in the no.10 role just behind the striker, proving that he would be the perfect candidate to provide goal-scoring opportunities to Hojlund next season.

Whilst it may seem more favourable to sign a striker with a lot more experience to lead the forward line into future success, there is an opportunity for Ten Hag to mould and develop Hojlund into the exact profile of centre-forward that he wants to deploy in front of goal and at just 20 years old could deliver a decade of service.

With that being said, the signing of Hojlund – once hailed a "monster in the making" by Jacek Kulig – would be a great piece of business for the Red Devils this summer and if the young goalscorer could quickly strike up a good connection with Mount, it could take the side to the next level next season.

As West Ham United begins to plan and prepare life after Declan Rice they are beginning to be linked with various targets.

There have already been multiple stories that have suggested that Scott McTominay could be heading to the London Stadium.

However, there have been more recent updates that have named his teammate Fred as another option for the Hammers and for manager David Moyes.

The Brazilian has seen his involvement decrease due to Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford, and with his contract expiring next summer and a desire to be valued, he may need to leave Old Trafford.

Last month, the midfielder revealed he was set to discuss his future with Erik ten Hag and said: “Of course I always want to be playing. [About my future] I still don’t know, I have to talk with my family, I still have one year left in my contract here. I’ll talk to my staff, to the club and see what’s everyone’s decision.

“I do have to talk with ten Hag as well, he’s the manager and the conversation has to involve everyone. We have to see how next season will plan out. I want to be important, I want to help the team, so we’ll see. ”

What’s the latest on Fred to West Ham United?

According to 90min reporter Graeme Bailey, who has been speaking on the ‘Talking Transfers’ podcast earlier this week, the Hammers have ‘sniffed’ around Fred as they explore a potential move in this summer window.

The reputable journalist also earmarked Fulham and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also interested in the 30-year-old, with United due to demand around £20m for his services.

Should West Ham United sign Fred?

It has been a frustrating campaign for Fred, who only fielded 12 Premier League starts. However, the 5 foot 7 machine was used as a substitute on a mammoth 23 occasions, to show he is still a highly valued member of the squad. His major drawbacks are his lack of presence and consistency, but his time in the northwest has seen impressive flurries of contribution.

This is showcased by his rank within the best 10% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90, as well as the top 3% for tackles and blocks per 90 to indicate his wondrous all-round midfield ability.

This has been highlighted by John Barnes, who said: “Fred deserves more respect for the job he’s doing on the pitch.”

This sentiment was echoed by Mikael Silvestre, who feels that Fred is ‘underrated’ and added: "He’s doing the dirty work which goes unnoticed in front of the back four, but I can tell that the defence will always like these types of players because they give protection.

"I actually think he’s very underrated in this team, he’s someone who gives everything to the team and does that job which goes unnoticed.”

Having a player of this similar expertise could allow the boundlessly creative Lucas Paqueta to continue thriving in east London.

The former Lyon phenom struggled during the early stages of his English odyssey – having only netted his first league goal in early January – but glistened in the latter stages of the campaign, and will forever be embedded in West Ham folklore as he provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s Europa Conference League winning-goal.

The playmaker possesses a profile like no other in the squad, with his creative ability showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 7% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, having also registered seven assists in all competitions in 2022/23 – the joint-most of any of his teammates.

While also a hard-working asset like his fellow Brazilian – as he ranks in the top 1% for tackles made – having someone of Fred’s defensive acumen alongside him would afford the 25-year-old sustained freedom, allowing him to blossom in a more advanced, playmaking berth.

If the one-time AC Milan ace is able to thrive in a roaming midfield role, he could become truly unplayable in the process, while cementing himself as a real talisman for Moyes and co.

Liverpool are looking to sign two more central midfielders during the summer transfer window, according to a new update regarding the situation.

Are Fabinho and Henderson leaving Liverpool?

The Reds are experiencing a tumultuous summer in their midfield, with huge changes being made, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are two exciting signings who will hopefully improve Liverpool immeasurably, but James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left when their respective contracts expired at the end of last month.

It now looks as though Fabinho and Jordan Henderson will also be moving on, however, with the pair both expected to complete moves to Saudi Arabian in the coming days. That would leave the Reds' midfield looking a short of options, so it is clear that more new faces would be required between now and the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.

Will Liverpool sign more midfielders?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool still plan on bringing in another couple of midfielders this summer, as they prepare for life without Fabinho and Henderson:

"Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp are keen to add two more midfield signings this summer, sources have told Football Insider. This news comes in the wake of imminent departures for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabian clubs."

The report continues: "A well-placed source has told Football Insider that a defensive midfielder is seen as a 'must' – with the impact of Fabinho’s departure set to take its toll on the Merseysiders’ squad."

This is exactly what Liverpool supporters will be wanting to hear, with the imminent exits of both Fabinho and Henderson something that few saw coming. Granted, both were poor last season, but they were still expected to play important squad roles, even if Jurgen Klopp no longer saw them as key starters.

If FSG don't make the money available to bring in tailor-made replacements for the duo this summer, it will simply be unacceptable, and it is absolutely vital that they back Klopp fully this time around, having arguably not provided him enough funds in past transfer windows, such as last year's, when the midfield wasn't added to sufficiently enough.

In terms of potential targets, any two from Romeo Lavia, Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone and Kalvin Phillips possibly makes the most sense, although the latter does turn 28 later this year and suffered an injury-plagued first season at Manchester City, barely even getting a look-in with a team the Reds will be hoping to compete with.

As the report alludes to, signing a proper No.6 in the mould of Fabinho is particularly vital for Liverpool, such is the lack of depth in that department if the Brazilian goes. Lavia is arguably the standout option there, despite still only being 19 years of age.

The Belgian excelled for Southampton last season, despite their relegation to the Championship, averaging 2.1 tackles per game – the second-highest tally in the squad – and had the highest pass completion rate (86.4%) of anyone there to start more than one league game.