Decision made on £40m West Ham offer as player rejects Man Utd and Liverpool have bid snubbed

Rejection, that cruellest of sucker punches. We’ve all felt it and we all dread it. To be left unwanted on the periphery, to be shunned and cut out, is one of the most stinging aspects of the human experience, and one that nobody ever yearns to endure twice.

Today’s Premier League transfer rumours are a bundle of rejections, all gathered up and tied together with a string of speculation, and a neat little bow of our own verdict on various matters. So, without further ado, let’s dig in. Unless, of course, you don’t want to and would rather reject us in favour of another gossip round-up. It’s okay if you do, we get it - we’ll just be over here crying in the corner...

Chelsea turn down Gallagher bid

To Sky Sports first, who claim that West Ham have had a £40 million offer turned down for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. The Hammers have reportedly identified the England international as their number one target as they bid to replace Declan Rice in the heart of their team, but may have to up the ante if they are to successfully lure him across the capital to the London Stadium.

For his part, Gallagher has two years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and it is understood that Chelsea would be open to the prospect of extending it. That could all change, however, if the player himself begins making noises about a potential exit.

The 3AM Verdict: As things stand, West Ham could be facing an uphill battle here. Mauricio Pochettino seems to like Gallagher, and the 23-year-old could quite easily play a part in Chelsea’s squad next season. If, however, the Blues do sign another midfielder or two - and at the present moment in time both Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus are being linked - then their stance may soften somewhat. Still, if the Hammers are to be successful it’s going to take more than £40 million to get this one over the line.

Suzuki snubs United

In slightly more unexpected news, promising Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign for Manchester United this summer. The 20-year-old stopper, who currently plays for Urawa Reds in his home country, had been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, but an update from Sponichi Annex claims that he is planning to snub the Red Devils’ interest in favour of staying in the J-League.

It is understood that with the Paris Olympics fast approaching, Suzuki would instead prefer to stay at a club where he would have a greater chance of registering regular first team minutes. United could instead turn their focus to Dinamo Zagreb’s Dominik Livakovic or Feyenoord number one Justin Bijlow, according to reports elsewhere.

The 3AM Verdict: This is a surprise. Suzuki seemed to be nailed on for a move to England, and it’s doubly shocking that the breakdown has come from the player himself. Still, you have to commend his international ambition, and if he makes good on his potential, it is surely only a matter of time before he earns a big European move.

Southampton reject Liverpool offer

And finally, Liverpool have had a bid for Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia rejected by Southampton, according to the Daily Mail. The Reds are understood to be keen on the teenager as they look to reshape their midfield cohort this summer.

Their opening offer of £37 million has been knocked back, however, with the Saints instead demanding somewhere in the region of £50 million for their prized asset. It is expected that Jurgen Klopp’s men will return with an improved proposal in the coming days.

The 3AM Verdict: Think of this as a sighter; Liverpool testing the waters to see exactly where Southampton stand before firming up their interest with an offer that might actually get the Saints mulling things over in due course. If the Reds are serious about this deal, and they sound like they are, then there’s absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t push ahead and try to make it happen. For now, however, their fanbase might have to be patient for just a little longer.