Chelsea receive huge boost in £86m transfer chase as Tottenham and Man City plot Premier League winger battle

We begin Thursday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up with an update on Liverpool's hunt for a new manager. The Reds are set to face a change in the dugout this summer, with Jurgen Klopp confirming recently that he will be bringing to an end his wildly successful time at Anfield.

One name that has been persistently linked is that of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, and SportBild now report that Liverpool have ‘submitted a request’ to the Spaniard's agent Iñaki Ibáñez. Leverkusen have been ‘informed directly’ about the approach, and are not understood to be overly concerned at this stage, while Alonso himself is still said to be absolutely committed to his cause in Germany.

The 3AM Verdict: This is a pleasing update for Liverpool supporters that would suggest the club are serious about making a move for Alonso this summer. Prising him away from Leverkusen won't be easy, especially with Bayern Munich also keen on the Spaniard, but at the very least, it is promising that the wheels are being put into motion.

Chelsea eye Gonçalves

Elsewhere, Chelsea are said to have identified Flamengo starlet Matheus Gonçalves as a potential transfer target, according to a report from Brazilian outlet Bolavip. The 18-year-old is widely considered to be one of the most promising young talents in his home country, and is currently locked into a deal that includes a release clause of around £85.6 million.

But this latest update suggests that in the event of Chelsea making their interest in Gonçalves concrete, Flamengo would be 'willing to do business' at a lower price. As for the player himself, it is claimed that he dreams of one day making a high-profile switch to Europe. His current contract expires in 2025.

The 3AM Verdict: Gonçalves is a precocious talent, but Chelsea have been stung badly by deals of this type before. Depending on price and other factors, this could be a decent signing to pursue, but make no mistake, there are far more pressing matters that need to be addressed at Stamford Bridge before the acquisition of another unproven youngster.

Spurs plot Eze raid

And finally, according to The Independent, Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. It is understood that Spurs are eager to bring in another wide forward at the end of the season, and have identified the England international and Wolves star Pedro Neto as their two main targets.

A potential swoop for Eze may be thwarted, however, with suggestions that Manchester City could be a more likely destination for the 25-year-old. To that end, Eze is also said to prefer the prospect of a transfer to the Etihad over a move across the capital.

The 3AM Verdict: Eze would be a fantastic signing for Tottenham, no doubt about it, but once Manchester City set their sights on a player, it can be difficult to trump them. As far as consolation prizes go, however, Pedro Neto would also be a fine addition - although Arsenal's lingering interest in the Wolves winger could prove to be a bit of a stumbling block for their bitter rivals.