Man Utd lead £47m defender chase as Man City and Liverpool plot continental midfielder battle

We begin Tuesday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up with news from Portugal, and a report from O Jogo claiming that Premier League title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool are both interested in signing FC Porto star Alan Varela. The Argentine operates as a central midfielder, and featured in his side's Champions League victory over Arsenal last week.

That being said, it has since been revealed that the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester United, and West Ham had scouts in attendance at that match, throwing some doubt over claims that City and Liverpool are seriously interested in a player who they didn't bother to watch in action against an English side. Regardless, the 22-year-old has also been linked with Newcastle United in recent months.

The 3AM Verdict: Varela is a quality player, and one who you would expect to eventually find his way to one of the biggest sides in Europe. Whether his next destination is City or Liverpool remains to be seen, of course, but if their interest is casual at the present moment in time, this could be one to keep an eye on.

Man Utd linked with Dumfries

Elsewhere, Manchester United are once again being linked with a potential swoop for Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries. The Red Devils have been touted as admirers of the Dutchman on several occasions in the past, but as yet, have not made any notable attempt to firm up their apparent interest.

That could soon change, however, with TuttoSport suggesting that United are among the front runners to sign the 27-year-old at the end of the current campaign. Inter could demand as much as £47 million for the defender, if reports in Italy are to be believed.

The 3AM Verdict: No huge shocks here. United are frequently linked with Dumfries, and given the obvious need for them to reinforce their back line in the coming months, it make sense for those persistent rumours to rear their head once again. At £47 million, he wouldn't come cheap, but if the Red Devils could drive that price down a touch, this could be a very decent acquisition - assuming it finally comes off.

Spurs eye winger... or three

And finally, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, Tottenham are in the hunt for a new winger, and have drawn up a shortlist that includes Wolves star Pedro Neto, Barcelona wide man Raphinha, and Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao. Spurs will look to bolster their attacking options in the summer as they bid to strengthen Ange Postecoglou's squad ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: "Pedro Neto is somebody on their radar. Raphinha has been mentioned as well. Nico Williams, at Athletic Bilbao, is another player that they're continuing to monitor. It will be interesting. Pedro Neto will be a very difficult one to get because of the competition that there will be to actually sign him. But Tottenham have signed a couple of players recently, that they've done well to get through the door, and they will believe that anything is possible."

The 3AM Verdict: Of the trio named, any one signing would represent an impressive coup for Tottenham, but it is perhaps Neto, so eye-catching for Wolves and wanted by a number of their top six rivals, who would cause the biggest stir, and with good reason.