Brighton close on World Cup star as West Ham eye £60m double deal

Brighton and Hove Albion are set to deliver a major blow to several Premier League rivals as they move closer to a deal for Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.

The Athletic have reported the Seagulls have reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with the Dutch giants and are set to win the race to land the Ghana international. A fee of around £34.5million has been suggested as Brighton look to add further attacking talent to their ranks after they signed Watford’s highly-rated Brazilian forward Joao Pedro earlier this summer.

Kudus had significant interest from clubs around Europe and has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona in recent years after he scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 84 appearances for Ajax.

However, it now seems increasingly likely his next appearance will come in the colours of Brighton as they look to further boost their squad ahead of their first ever season competing in European competition.

The 3AM Verdict: “Kudus has been linked with a move to several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs and a number of big hitters around Europe after coming to the fore at Ajax. If they can complete a deal, this would be a real coup for Brighton ahead of what will be a historic season for the Seagulls.”

Former Gunner set for Ligue 1 deal

Former Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles is on the verge of completing a deal to join Ligue 1 club Lyon.

The 25-year-old has been without a club since his departure from Arsenal last month and has been linked with the likes of Southampton and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks. However, the five-times capped England international now looks set to resume his career in France.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Maitland-Niles has agreed a four-year deal with Lyon and talks are now entering their ‘final stages’.

The 3AM Verdict: “It feels like a long time since Maitland-Niles settled at a club after loan spells at the likes of West Brom, Roma and Southampton failed to help him fully realise his early potential. A move to Lyon could well be what is needed to reignite his career.”

Hammers eye Red Devils double swoop

West Ham United are reportedly keen on a move for two Manchester United stars as they look to make their first signings of the summer.

Football Insider have claimed the Hammers are considering new moves for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay as they look to conduct their first incoming business of a frustrating summer transfer window.

Crucially, the report also reveals David Moyes has made the Red Devils duo his ‘top transfer targets’ - but is ‘facing pushback’ from newly-appointed director of football Tim Steidten.

The report states West Ham will have to pay around £60million to land the duo and add them to a squad that will compete in the Europa League this season.

The 3AM Verdict: “It seems highly likely both McTominay and Maguire will be allowed to depart Old Trafford this summer - although Manchester United will want premium prices for both. With the departure of Declan Rice, West Ham really need to make a breakthrough soon and this seems like a double deal that could work for both clubs.”