Man Utd man ‘likely to leave’ as Aston Villa want £40m-rated Leeds United star, Declan Rice bid imminent

The world is still going around which means the Premier League rumour mill keeps on churning. The window for English clubs has only been open for 10 days and after what felt like a relatively-quiet start, things have started to heat up.

Constant speculation over the next big move is rife, as Declan Rice takes centre stage as clubs ramp up their attempts to sign the West Ham star. Newcastle United are poised to sign a midfielder of their own with Sandro Tonali set to jump on-board the Saudi-backed, Eddie Howe-driven hype train. It is a deal worth up to £68.5m - and one which signals the club’s intent to stay competing in the top four.

In the ever-complicated nature of the transfer window, some supporters may only feel safe once a signing is announced by their club and nobody else. We are looking at you Mykhailo Mudryk.

Anyway, and without further ado, here is some of the latest transfer speculation and our take on whether the deals could progress over the coming days and months.

De Gea ‘likely to leave’

David De Gea’s contract with Manchester United expires next week - and after months of negotiations over a new deal it is now looking more likely the goalkeeper will leave Old Trafford, according to 90min.

It has led to increased interest from the Red Devils in pursuing a move for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana. De Gea turned down the chance to become the latest Premier League star to make a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia as talks over his United future reach a crunch period.

When annoucing their retained list, the Red Devils confirmed they were in talks over a new contract in which the Spaniard would have to agree to a significant pay-cut.

The 3AM verdict: At 32, it feels De Gea is not in Erik ten Hag’s long-term plans, with the club keen to sign a new goalkeeper to challenge for the number one spot before the reported lack of progress with talks. The Spaniard is undoubtedly an incredible shot-stopper but is prone to the odd error while his ability to help build from the back is lacking. Something which might swing Ten Hag’s decision to let him leave.

Villa plot Adams move

Tyler Adams, one of the most in-demand of the Premier League’s relegated players is ‘high’ on Aston Villa’s list of targets, it has emerged via The Athletic.

Adams enjoyed a brilliant season with Leeds, earning the United States captaincy for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. A season-ending injury prior to the final international break proved decisive as Leeds edged towards the relegation places before eventually finishing the campaign in 19th.

However, Leeds are said to want around £40m for the player, who they signed for £20m from RB Leipzig just 12 months ago. It always felt a matter of when not if he would move on from Elland Road after an impressive first campaign, with Leeds’ relegation potentially accelerating his departure.

The 3AM verdict: The American could prove a brilliant signing for any Premier League side, but with Villa already securing the free transfer of Youri Tielemans, Unai Emery would be adding another great option to his midfield. With Villa in the Europa Conference League they need more depth - as well as quality. There is no doubt Adams can provide both. A shrewd signing if it happens.

Third Rice bid ‘imminent’

West Ham are preparing themselves for a third Arsenal bid for Declan Rice after rejecting the North London club’s second offer, which was worth up to £90m, according to the Daily Mail.

The Hammers have been firm on their asking price for Rice, with the midfielder valued at £100m by chairman David Sullivan. The England international has one year remaining on his deal but West Ham are bolstered by a 12-month extension option in Rice’s contract, meaning there is no risk of losing him for free next summer.

Arsenal are now said to be planning a bid much closer to West Ham’s valuation, as they seek to get a deal sealed amid interest from Man City and Bayern Munich.

The 3AM verdict: There is no doubt Rice would prove a good fit for Arsenal, and a real statement of intent from the Gunners after running Man City close in the Premier League title race last season. Arsenal simply must pay what West Ham want, as the Hammers have been open with their intention to sell for the right price. If they fail in their pursuit of Rice, who is reported to prefer a move to North London, they run the risk of allowing City to significantly strengthen - and push even further ahead of the chasing pack.