Spurs enter 'bidding war' for Man Utd target as ex-La Liga boss eyes West Ham role

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to enter a ‘bidding war’ for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite - with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid also showing an interest in the Toffees star.

The former Carlisle United youngster returned from an impressive loan spell with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven last summer and has established himself as one of the best up and coming defenders in the Premier League. His form has reportedly captured the attention of a number of clubs and journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed Spurs are the latest to enter the race.

He told GiveMeSport: "I think that there is going to be a bidding war, in many ways, during the summer. I think Tottenham will be there, and we know that Real Madrid have looked in the past as well. It is true that bringing in at least one young centre-back is on Manchester United's positional radar. Homegrown players are also a key focus, so Branthwaite ticks a lot of boxes, especially with him being a left-sided centre-back."

The 3AM Verdict: There seems no doubt Branthwaite will become an England international in the near future after shining for Everton in recent months. Given the Toffees financial situation and battle against relegation, it would be no surprise if he was to become one of the most expensive signings of the summer transfer window.

Brazilian star opens up on Premier League dream amid Arsenal and Fulham links

Sao Paolo midfielder Pablo Maia has admitted he dreams of playing in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old is reportedly a long-term target of Fulham after initially being with a move to Craven Cottage during in October 2022 before being mentioned as a Cottagers target just over a year later. Although no formal offer was made, the interest is believed to remain alive and Maia has given an insight into his thoughts on a possible move to England.

He told The Daily Mail: “I heard about an offer from an English club to Sao Paulo FC, and then another club inquired about a loan deal two windows back. The Premier League is played at the highest technical and intense level in the world, with players accustomed to the Champions League and World Cup. It’s a league that we dream of, set as a goal. Whenever I can, I watch the games and analyse how players in my position perform.”

The 3AM Verdict: Fulham’s recruitment in midfield positions has been impressive in recent years and you would imagine Maia has some indication of the progress Joao Palhinha has made during his time at Craven Cottage and the calibre of clubs that are keen on him.

Former Real Madrid boss eyes West Ham job

Julen Lopetegui has reportedly turned down an offer to take charge at Crystal Palace as he is keen on replacing David Moyes at West Ham United.

There is increasing pressure on the Hammers boss after his side extended their run without a win in any competition to an eighth game with a 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon. Although West Ham remain in the top ten of the Premier League table and have reached the knockout rounds of the Europa League, there is a growing feeling Moyes could depart over the coming weeks unless there is an improvement in form.

Several possible candidates have been widely reported in the media - and the latest name to crop up is former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui, who Football Insider claim is ready to return to management at the London Stadium after being out of work since he left Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead of the current season.

The 3AM Verdict: Lopetegui would be a high calibre appointment that seems a good fit at West Ham. He has experience of the Premier League and is well versed over life in European football. Should Moyes depart, as it seems increasingly likely he will, Lopetegui would be a fine replacement for the current Hammers boss.