West Ham in ‘three-way’ free agent transfer tussle as Liverpool ‘rejected’ by ex-Chelsea ace

In the aftermath of a transfer window, perhaps the only thing as intriguingly juicy as the deals that get done are the ones that do not - the tales of what might have been that haunt clubs and prick at the collective curiosity of a disheartened fanbase.

Today’s Premier League transfer rumour round-up is something of an ode to these missed opportunities, with a couple of pieces of speculation aimed squarely at those agreements that never quite made it over the finish line. Look away now, Manchester United fans. Or actually, come to think of it, please don’t.

Check out the latest top flight gossip below...

West Ham face Lingard competition

West Ham could become embroiled in a three-way tussle for the services of free agent Jesse Lingard in the coming days, according to Football Insider. The midfielder has been training with the Hammers following his departure from Nottingham Forest earlier in the summer, and there have been reports that the Irons could look to offer him a short-term contract after being impressed by his application in recent weeks.

The 30-year-old is also said to be attracting interest from Turkish duo Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, however, with both eager to lure him to the Super Lig. This latest update goes on to claim that Turkey remains Lingard’s most probable destination in the event of West Ham failing to make him a suitable offer.

The 3AM Verdict: Jesse Lingard in Turkey - it just makes sense. Some players have a distinct ‘Super Lig pay day’ vibe about them, and the former Manchester United midfielder is absolutely one of them. That being said, it does sound as if West Ham are likely to make him an offer of a short term deal, and if that does come to fruition, it could be hard for him to turn down.

Ramos snubbed Man United

If there’s one thing Manchester United love, it’s signing a huge continental name on the downwards slope of their career. According to The Sun, they were thwarted in one such attempt this summer, however, with ex-Real Madrid and PSG star Sergio Ramos soundly snubbing a contract offer from Old Trafford.

It is understood that the Spaniard, who has since returned to boyhood club Sevilla, was the subject of a one-year, £73,000-a-week contract, but rejected it so swiftly that the Red Devils were left ‘fuming’ by his abruptness.

The 3AM Verdict: Despite his age, Ramos is still a quality talent, and surely would have been a good addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad this summer - especially when you consider the alternative was signing Jonny Evans on a short-term deal. That being said, can you really blame the former World Cup winner for wanting an emotional homecoming in Andalusia? We think not.

Felix rejected Premier League interest

Yet more rejection for Manchester United, who were one of several Premier League clubs to miss out on a deal for Portuguese forward Joao Felix this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. As per the Spanish outlet, the 23-year-old was the subject of interest from the Red Devils, as well as bitter rivals Liverpool, and Aston Villa.

Of those three parties, United were understood to be interested in a loan deal, Jurgen Klopp’s men were supposedly keen on a swap deal involving Darwin Nunez, while Villa were at one stage understood to be leading the race for his signature. Instead, however, Felix left Atletico Marid for Barcelona.

The 3AM Verdict: Despite a mixed loan stint with Chelsea last season, there is no denying that on his day Felix is a world class talent, and would be an asset to any side. Perhaps most intersting, however, is just how far Villa have come in such a short space of time under Unai Emery to be legitimately rubbing shoulders with the top six in transfer battles of this ilk.