Shock favourites emerge in Man Utd and Liverpool's £30m transfer race as Spurs handed striker boost

We kick Thursday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up off with a shock update from the Evening Standard, who claim that Fulham are now leading Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Brazilian midfielder Andre. The Fluminense star has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, but until now the understanding has been that he would most likely be signing for one of the traditional top six.

As per a report on Wednesday, however, the Cottagers have leap-frogged their rivals after their chief executive Alistair Mackintosh flew to South America for face-to-face talks last week. An agreement worth around £30 million is said to be in the works.

The 3AM Verdict: What a twist this would be. For the longest while now it has seemed as if Andre was headed to Liverpool in particular, but now, seemingly out of the blue, Fulham look set to go toe-to-toe with their Premier League rivals. Certainly, whoever wins the race for his signature is going to be bringing in a top, top talent with plenty of potential, and that £30 million or so could end up looking like a steal.

David price slashed

Elsewhere, Tottenham and West Ham have been handed a significant boost in their respective pursuits of Lille striker Jonathan David. The Canadian has been linked with both London clubs in recent times, and it is suggested that the French outfit could now seek just £34.7 million for his exit, rather than the £52.1 million they had previously been seeking, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also credited with an interest, as are AC Milan, who are seeking a replacement for the ageing Olivier Giroud. David's current deal in France runs until 2025.

The 3AM Verdict: The concern here is why Lille have chosen to slash their asking price. With just four goals in 18 matches so far this term, David is hardly firing on all cylinders, and that could be cause for alarm. That being said, form is temporary, class is permanent, so perhaps this would be a smart acquisition either way.

Newcastle eye Calvert-Lewin

And finally, Newcastle United are said to be keeping tabs on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s situation at Everton as they look to bolster their attack in the new year, according to TEAMtalk. While a January loan signing is a possibility, so is the addition of a permanent acquisition in the summer, with the Goodison Park forward reportedly back on the Magpies' radar after a previous period of interest.

Calvert-Lewin is entering the final 18 months of his contract on Merseyside, but it is understood that Everton will do all they can to hang on to the player for the foreseeable future.

The 3AM Verdict: Calvert-Lewin has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, but looks to be over the worst of his fitness issues, and if he can continue the promising form that he is showing for Everton this season, then there's no reason why he couldn't be a decent signing for Newcastle. Will it happen in January, however? You suspect not...