Liverpool could hijack Arsenal’s £70m transfer deal as West Ham handed boost in La Liga star chase

Look away now, Sunderland fans. Thursday’s Premier Leaguetransfer rumour round-up starts with the claim that the Black Cats will listen to offers of £15 million or more for star winger Jack Clarke in the January transfer window, as per Football Insider.

The attacker, who has taken the Championship by storm so far this season, was heavily linked with the likes of Burnley and Brentford during the summer, but Sunderland were able to retain his services for the time being. It is understood, however, that while they are still in a strong position, they could be tempted by the prospect of a big money bid in the coming months.

The 3AM Verdict: This would be a major, major blow to Sunderland and their promotion hopes, but whoever ultimately ends up winning the race for Clarke is going to be securing themselves a player who is more than ready for the demands of top flight football.

Liverpool keen on Neto

Elsewhere, Liverpool hold an interest in signing Wolves‘ £70m-rated winger Pedro Neto, according to journalist Neil Jones. The Portuguese attacker has been attracting plenty of attention after a hugely promising start to the new Premier League campaign, and is said to also be a target for Arsenal.

“I’m not surprised to see Pedro Neto’s name being linked with top clubs, given the way he’s started the Premier League season,” Jones said. “The Wolves man has always been a huge talent, one admired by just about every big side including Liverpool, but injuries have set him back significantly in recent years.

“Now he’s back fit, we are seeing what he can do, and the pace and threat he brings, plus the room for development he has at 23, mark him out as someone who can definitely take the next step by moving to a Champions League club. Whether that’s Liverpool – they still need to get back to the Champions League, by the way! – remains to be seen. I know that Neto has admirers at Anfield, and that his versatility and skillset would be well-suited to a Jurgen Klopp side. But then the same could be said, I believe, for a Mikel Arteta side or a Pep Guardiola side. I believe he is of that level, potentially.”

The 3AM Verdict: Whoever nabs Neto is going to be signing one hell of a player. The Wolves winger has been unstoppable at times this season, and continues to give off the impression of a talent who is ready to boil over into the big time. A club like Liverpool could be the ideal next step for him.

West Ham eye Diaz

And finally, West Ham are understood to be monitoring Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz. The versatile attacker has struggled to make a consistent impact on the first team picture in the Spanish capital, and is understood to be weighing up the prospect of seeking greater opportunities elsewhere.

With that in mind, it has been suggested that West Ham are monitoring the player, and could look to enact a move, with the 24-year-old ‘willing’ to leave his current club.

The 3AM Verdict: This could be exactly the kind of move that benefits both player and club. West Ham, if they do sign Diaz, would be snapping up a wonderful talent with buckets of potential, while the attacker himself would be given a fresh opportunity to start again in one of the most competitive leagues in world football. A win-win situation if ever there was one.