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West Ham midfielder Declan Rice won’t sign an extension on his current deal with the Hammers, according to a fresh claim by journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Rice’s contract ticking away

The 23-year-old has matured from exciting academy graudate into arguably the first name on the Hammers’ team sheet these days, as well as becoming a dominant figure for England.

Rice’s current West Ham contract expires in the summer of 2024 however, and there is sure to be a lot of interest in him at the end of this season.

At that point, it could the last opportunity for the east London side to earn huge money for his services, unless he decides to extend his stay at the club.

The Latest: Journalist makes contract claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown claimed that Rice won’t sign a new deal with West Ham:

“I don’t think there is anyone pushing that hard at the moment to sign Declan Rice, but I think he’s trying to keep his options open and won’t be signing any contracts that tie him to the club and knock down a move in the near future.”

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The Verdict: Big blow, but unsurprising

This is clearly a negative update from a Hammers perspective, with Rice someone who will hopefully stay put for the rest of his career, having been hailed as ‘superb’ by another midfield great in the shape of Steven Gerrard.

In truth, there does seem to be a predictability about the midfielder’s exit in the near future, however, as he looks to kick on to the next stage of his career.

Rice belongs at a club playing Champions League football and challenging for major honours, and sadly, that is something that West Ham cannot provide currently. A summer exit in 2023 makes sense, with the Hammers hopefully banking a massive profit and reinvesting wisely.

Sheffield Wednesday are sweating over an injury sustained to defender Reece James in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle.  

The Lowdown: Half-time sub

James, described as “excellent” by Darren Moore, arrived at Hillsborough over the summer on loan from Blackpool.

Since then, the 28-year-old has gone on to make 11 appearances for Wednesday, getting the nod from the off once again at Home Park.

However, James was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Joe Edwards – one that reporter Joe Crann said may have deserved a red – and needed to be replaced at the interval by Dominic Iorfa.

The Latest: Assessment

Crann shared a story for The Star on Tuesday evening following the defeat at Home Park. He relayed news from Moore, who said James was due to be assessed on Wednesday and was unsure if it was a thigh or groin problem.

Moore also added that Mallik Wilks was missing from the squad with an injury of his own, citing a hamstring niggle after the weekend win at Port Vale.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Hopefully, James and Wilks’ respective issues aren’t long-term, but it isn’t ideal to learn about their injuries.

James, primarily a left-back, was starting to establish himself as one of Moore’s first-choice centre-backs and has already missed games through injury earlier in the campaign.

The Owls have a quick turnaround for Saturday’s home clash with Cheltenham, so it’ll be interesting to see how James and Wilks are when Moore speaks to the press.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Matt O’Riley in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to ESPN, the Magpies are among a number of Premier League clubs eyeing up a swoop to sign the central midfielder.

The report claims that Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Leicester are among the other English clubs keen on him, whilst Lille, Borussia Dortmund, and Wolfsburg are also in the mix.

It is stated that an offer of up to £20m could be enough to tempt Celtic into cashing in on him, although they are not looking to sell him at this moment in time.

Big Joe Willock upgrade

Newcastle snapped up Joe Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal in the summer of 2021 after a fruitful loan spell, but he endured a difficult first full season on Tyneside.

He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.71 in the top flight, placing him 17th in the Magpies’ squad, which shows that he was nowhere near being one of the club’s top performers despite arriving for a fee of £25m.

He scored two goals and failed to register an assist or create a single ‘big chance’, whilst averaging 0.6 key passes per game, as he struggled to make a significant impact at the top end of the pitch.

Meanwhile, O’Riley enjoyed an excellent campaign with Celtic in Scotland and has the potential to be a big upgrade on Willock as an attack-minded midfielder.

Pundit Michael Stewart previously described him as “silky” and “classy”, and talent scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed him a “magician”. After an impressive performance against Rangers in February, Kulig said that the 21-year-old was the “Old Firm Derby silent hero. The amount of work he has done tonight is immense. He was literally everywhere”.

In the Premiership last season, the Danish gem chipped in with four goals and three assists in 16 appearances. He created six ‘big chances’ and made 2.2 key passes per game – more than any Newcastle player managed in the Premier League – and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.40.

O’Riley has started the current campaign in a similar vein, with two ‘big chances’ created and 12 key passes in four league outings, highlighting his creativity and ability to regularly tee up his team-mates for shots.

Therefore, if he can make the step up to Premier League, he could be a big upgrade on Willock at Newcastle by offering far more quality on the ball.

The statistics suggest that he could do more damage than the Englishman at the top end of the pitch whilst performing to a higher standard on a weekly basis; and at the age of 21, he still has plenty of scope to further develop and improve his skills.

Southampton are continuing to be linked with Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos this summer and the Portuguese could be the final piece of the puzzle in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

Southampton are one of several Premier League teams to be credited with an interest in the 21-year-old forward, who has started the season in sensational form for Benfica, hitting five goals and contributing three assists in his opening five appearances.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor shared his thoughts on the Saints’ interest in the young £25m striker, saying:

“I think it’s clear that Southampton are serious about that deal.

“From what we saw on The Athletic, I think a club delegate flew out to Denmark ahead of their Champions League game to speak with Benfica.

“At the moment, Southampton are a striker short. I think that’s the exact kind of profile they’ll want.”

Hasenhuttl needs him

Although Southampton picked up their first win of the season last weekend, with Che Adams hitting an impressive brace in the 2-1 win at Leicester, it seems clear that Hasenhuttl needs attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

Armando Broja returned to Chelsea after a strong nine-goal loan spell at St Mary’s last season, while Shane Long was released, which has limited the Austrian’s options up front.

Sekou Mara has arrived from Bordeaux and provided a superb assist in the draw against Leeds, but it would be unwise to rely on the 20-year-old as a regular goalscorer in his debut season at the club.

Adams has failed to hit double figures in each of his last three Premier League campaigns, so if Southampton are to distance themselves from the bottom three this season, they arguably need a striker who can take his chances.

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Ramos has shown in his time at Benfica that he knows where the back of the net is, achieving “outrageous” numbers – in the words of scout Jacek Kulig – for the academy sides, where he managed an impressive 27 goals in 55 appearances.

His start to the season emphasises that he is more than ready for senior football, finding the net five times in as many games, as well as registering three assists so would certainly fit into Southampton’s model of signing younger players this summer. As a result, Hasenhuttl should definitely look to bring Ramos to St Mary’s ahead of the transfer deadline next week.

Arsenal could ‘look’ to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo this summer, according to a transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

Previously linked to Liverpool and Leeds United, Gakpo has been nothing short of a revelation in Holland having come through the ranks at PSV.

The 23-year-old Dutch international has scored 45 times and provided 35 assists in 138 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, playing a key role in one top-flight title, one domestic cup and two Super Cup successes in the process.

Indexed more recently to the Gunners and Manchester United, Gakpo could still be on the move before the September 1 deadline and one well-informed onlooker has shed some more light on the current situation in north London…

The latest: ‘One to look out for’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claimed that the seven-cap is still on the radar for Edu and Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium, whilst a move for Bayern Leverkusen sensational Moussa Diaby appears to be off the cards.

He said: “Diaby is going to be a hard one. Leverkusen basically just don’t want to lose him at this point, they feel like they’re going to have a good season, so I don’t think that doors going to open.

“Cody Gakpo is still one to look out for if they look abroad for the signing.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Albeit the Gunners made a winning start to the 2022/23 campaign, adding another attacking option to Arteta’s squad would be a welcome boost heading into what looks certain to be a testing season.

As things stand, Arsenal have Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson and Marquinhos as wide options, although Pepe could still be on the way out and both Nelson and Marquinhos remain unproven at the elite level.

Gakpo – who was described as a player who ‘has everything’ by Theo Janssen – has made a lightning-fast start to the 2022/23 term himself, scoring three times and providing two assists in just four appearances across all competitions.

Valued at £27million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), signing the flamboyant Dutchman would likely be an expensive initial outlay for the north Londoners, but there should be no issues when it comes to personal terms as Arsenal would need to better a £7,400 per week salary (Salary Sport).

Respected journalist Ben Jacobs has made a claim regarding the contract situation surrounding Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. 

The lowdown: Jota a Liverpool success

Signed from Wolves for an eye-opening £41m in 2020 (BBC), the Portugal forward arrived on Merseyside as a proven Premier League operator, having already netted 16 times in 67 outings as a winger for the Midlands club.

The 25-year-old has since gone from strength to strength on Merseyside, directly contributing to 43 goals in 85 appearances so far for the Reds, playing a key role in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes last term.

Currently earning a reported £120,000 per week (Salary Sport), the Anfield hierarchy are now seemingly ready to offer Jota a reward for his fine form with a lucrative new contract…

The latest: ‘Matter of priority’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs has claimed that the fresh terms for the 26-cap Portugal star are now high on the list of priorities for FSG and Julian Ward, whilst also dismissing much of the speculation around potential incomings at Liverpool.

The CBS Sports journalist said: “Liverpool will also look to offer Diogo Jota improved terms as a matter of priority. Most of the other names currently being linked with Liverpool are just rumour or agent talk with little substance.”

The verdict: Richly deserved

Despite Jota being under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), this is another example of the Anfield hierarchy rewarding players for their form and ensuring that the club’s prized assets are content with their status among the highest earners, a list now topped by Mohamed Salah.

Last season, Jota scored 21 times and provided eight assists from 55 appearances across all competitions, showcasing a potency in the final third as well as exceptional durability. Those two factors will be pivotal to Jurgen Klopp’s squad in what looks set to be another gruelling campaign in 2022/23.

‘unstoppable’ by team-mate Andy Robertson following an 8.80 Sofascore-rated display against Leicester in February containing two goals, two key passes and three tackles – may be required to interchange with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez as a striker and a left winger moving forwards.

Whatever his role, there can be little doubting that Jota is deserving of a new bumper contract at Liverpool.

West Bromwich Albion have seen numerous players join the Midlands club from fellow English sides, either on loan or permanent deals, only to then eventually leave for other teams across the country’s top divisions.

One player who fits into this category is Jay Rodriguez, who joined the Baggies from Southampton five years ago in a deal worth £12m.

During his time at The Hawthorns, the Englishman found the net 33 times in 90 appearances across all competitions before joining Burnley in 2019 for a total sum of £10m.

Now that some years have passed since the 32-year-old had his stint at West Brom, it seems as though the current transfer window could give Albion the chance to bring in their next version of Rodriguez.

It was reported last month that Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer is on the Baggies’ list of striker targets for this summer.

Across 106 appearances for Villa’s senior and youth teams – along with Solihull Moors and Preston North End, where he has played on loan – the striker has 34 goals and 10 assists to his name.

This highlights his clear attacking talent, especially when it comes to finding the net, which is something that Rodriguez was quite capable of doing during his time at The Hawthorns.

In fact, to compare Archer’s previous domestic season with Rodriguez’s 2018/19 campaign with the Baggies in the Championship, the duo racked up an almost identical rate for shots per 90 minutes, goals per shot and goals per shot on target (as per FBRef).

This shows the attacking similarities between the two players and outlines why the 20-year-old Villa starlet would be a useful addition to Steve Bruce’s squad, possibly becoming their next potential version of Rodriguez.

Described as a “bullish” player by Ryan Lowe, Archer also has an “abundance of talent”, according to the Preston manager.

If an opportunity to sign the young Englishman arises before the summer transfer window comes to an end, this is something that West Brom should be all over, as his clear goalscoring talents could be the difference between seeing the Baggies win promotion or endure another season in the Championship.

AND in other news – Time to go: Bruce must finally axe WBA’s “head-scratching” £18k-p/w dud this summer

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell thinks Liverpool are definitely making the ‘right move’ by offering Naby Keita a new contract.

The Lowdown: Contract talks opened

The 27-year-old first made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Reds from RB Leipzig five years ago, but as a result of only having 12 months remaining on his current contract at Anfield, his future is now uncertain.

However, there has since been a positive update in the sense that LFC have opened talks with the midfielder over a new deal, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano further confirming that the club have made it one of their priorities to tie the maestro down this summer.

The Latest: Campbell backs Liverpool decision

Asked by Football Insider whether he thinks Liverpool have made the right decision in offering new terms to Keita, Campbell said: “I like Keita.

“I think he is a very good player. Whenever he is in the team, he has performed.

“You can tell a good player when there is not drop-off. That is how you know that you’ve got a squad of top player. There was times that Keita was on the bench and Klopp brought him on to up the level.

“He has a silky way of dribbling and playing decisive passes. I think the right move is to tie him down to a new deal, 100 per cent. Klopp has to keep that squad intact.

“They were one point off of the title last season. It is going to be another close one this season.”

The Verdict: Magician in midfield

Keita has slightly fallen down Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order in recent times, with the German having the likes of Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago all available for selection, but he’s someone who is definitely more than worth keeping in and around the squad.

Even though the Guinean only made 14 top-flight starts last season, he still managed to make a hugely positive impact when given the chance, averaging an 86% pass success rate and two tackles per 90 minutes, via WhoScored, highlighting his ability to tighten up and control a midfield.

With Takumi Minamino on the verge of sealing a Reds exit and Henderson not getting any younger, Keita should get plenty of chances to impact the starting XI going forward, where he will undoubtedly continue to enjoy plenty more success with Liverpool in years to come.

Sadio Mane has made progress regarding a summer move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich, according to reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Mane to leave Liverpool

On Sunday, numerous journalists reported the big news that the Senegal star is set to leave the Reds this summer, having spent six memorable years at Anfield.

The 30-year-old is believed to be keen on a fresh challenge while he is still at his peak, with Bayern Munich seemingly the front-runners to snap him up.

A fresh claim further suggests that a move to the Bundesliga could be on the cards for Mane.

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The Latest: Plettenberg provides Mane transfer update

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Sky Sports journalist Plettenberg talked up the chances of Mane joining Bayern, claiming that talks are ongoing between player and club. The reporter tweeted:

“Update #Mané: Talks and negotiations with #FCBayern ongoing and confirmed. All parties speak about a possible 3-y-c until 2025 and a transfer fee of around €30m + Bonus. Agreement is possible.”

The Verdict: Undisputed Liverpool legend

While it is hugely sad to see Mane move on, it is hard to begrudge him one last big move in his career, much in the same way that Thiago opted to trade Bayern for Liverpool at a similar age in 2020.

There is no doubt that the Senegalese superstar is a true Anfield legend, having won every trophy possible in his time at the club, also scoring 120 goals in 269 Reds appearances.

He should be remembered as one of the greatest attacking players in the club’s history, proving to be Jurgen Klopp’s first great signing at Liverpool and hitting the ground running from day one, when he scored a stunning goal at Arsenal on his debut in a 4-3 win which ultimately proved crucial in getting the Reds back into the Champions League as they pipped the Gunners for fourth place that season.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly still in the hunt for one signing. Find out who it is here.

Wolves defender Fernando Marcal will leave the club at the end of the season, reliable journalist Tim Spiers has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Marcal a good servant

The 33-year-old made the move from Lyon to Molineux back in 2020, as he looked to add squad depth to Wanderers’ squad.

Marcal has done just that, proving to be a reliable figure, when fit, going on to make a total of 32 appearances for Wolves, including 18 in the Premier League this season.

The Brazilian’s current deal expires at the end of the season, however, and his exit has felt inevitable with the emergence of Rayan Aït-Nouri.

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The Latest: Summer exit confirmed

Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Athletic‘s Spiers said that Marcal would depart this summer, as he relaid Bruno Lage’s confirmation on the matter:

“Fernando Marcal is leaving Wolves this summer, Bruno Lage confirmed today. The Wolves boss also says he wants Joao Moutinho, Morgan Gibbs-White and John Ruddy to be in his squad next season.”

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The Verdict: Right time to leave

At 33, and with his contract up, it makes complete sense for Marcal to move on and find another club, rather than be offered a new deal at Wolves.

He was a solid performer throughout this season, winning an average of 1.4 aerial duels per game in the league, while Jeff Shi spoke of his happiness when Wanderers signed him.

Marcal won’t exactly go down as a Wolves legend but his contribution will always be appreciated, as he helped his side push towards a European finish in 2021/22.

In other news, one Wolves player has been linked with a high-profile exit. Find out who it is here.