West Ham and Aston Villa spark £69m attacker battle as Man Utd plot bargain defender raid

We begin Wednesday’s Premier League transfer rumour round-up with news of a brewing battle between two sides in claret and blue. According to Portuguese outlet Record, both West Ham and Aston Villa are interested in signing Pedro Gonçalves from Sporting CP. The attacker has a release clause of around £68.9 million written into his current contract in Lisbon and has been in fine form this term, registering 18 goals and 16 assists across 44 outings across all competitions.

To make matters more intriguing, West Ham continue to be linked with a potential move for Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, who has established a strong working relationship with Gonçalves during their shared time in Portugal. It is understood that if the 39-year-old is to join the Hammers, his arrival could end up having a notable impact on where Gonçalves’ next destination ends up being.

The 3AM Verdict: Gonçalves is a player who continues to go from strength to strength over in Portugal, and it is little wonder that he is attracting interest from ambitious clubs like West Ham and Aston Villa. The Amorim factor could be a huge influence on how this all pans out, and if the Hammers could somehow land him and his attacker, that would represent a considerable double coup.

Man United eye Lucumi

Elsewhere, Manchester United are understood to be considering a swoop for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi. According to Claro Sports, the Colombian has ‘captured the attention’ of the Red Devils, as well as a number of European heavyweights.

It is suggested that United are preparing to go toe-to-toe with Juventus and Atletico Madrid for the 25-year-old in the summer window. Indeed, it is Atletico who are said to be leading the hunt for Lucumi, with the Spanish club readying an initial proposal of £11.2 million, including bonuses. Lucumi’s current contract in Italy runs until 2026.

The 3AM Verdict: Lucumi is a fine player, and with United’s obvious need for defensive reinforcements this summer, could be a savvy signing, especially if he is available for as little as £11 million or thereabouts. Obviously, competition for his signature will be stiff, but if the Red Devils can see this one through, it could be a decent piece of business.

Toon keen on Rabiot

And finally, Newcastle United have reportedly ‘registered an interest’ in signing France international Adrien Rabiot. According to Fichajes, the Magpies are in the market for midfielders this summer, and are keeping tabs on the 29-year-old ahead of a potential swoop.

Rabiot is out of contract with current side Juventus at the end of the season, and as yet, has shown no indication that he plans to sign an extension in Turin. That could mean that he becomes a free agent in the near future, and his precarious situation has been enough to alert both Newcastle and fellow Premier League outfit Manchester United.

The 3AM Verdict: Rabiot is a darling of the gossip columns, and barely a window goes by where he isn’t linked with some Premier League side or other. This summer he might actually be on the move, but whether he ends up in England or not remains to be seen. Stranger things have happened, but we have been here multiple times before.