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West Ham United can 'play on' Leicester City's financial state and their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship as they attempt to sign Harvey Barnes this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harvey Barnes?

According to 90min, Barnes is believed to be one of West Ham United's key transfer targets this window and talks are advancing over a potential transfer for the 25-year-old to the London Stadium.

Said Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet and Pablo Fornals are among the options David Moyes has to choose from on the left-hand side of attack; however, the Scot would be willing to offload players this off-season to freshen things up.

The Guardian report that Newcastle United are 'leading the race' to bring in Barnes while Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also hold an attraction towards the £35k-a-week ace.

Leicester City would hope to demand a fee of around £50 million for the England international, though they acknowledge that they may be forced to sell for a lower price due to being relegated to the English second tier.

Following the sale of Declan Rice, West Ham United will have the financial capability to attract Barnes alongside the fact they will feature in the Europa League. On the other hand, Newcastle United's involvement in Champions League football could tempt Barnes to move to the North East over other options, as per The Daily Mail.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that West Ham United will try to haggle with Leicester City to land Barnes at a cheaper fee than £50 million.

Jacobs told FFC: "The challenge with Barnes, who West Ham have looked at as well because they want more quality on the left, is price, with Leicester potentially asking for £45 or £50 million, but they were pushing for a higher number with James Maddison and eventually, there was a fee settled on for £40 million plus add-ons. Suitors are going to be able to play on the fact that Leicester's finances aren't great and they've been relegated as well."

Would Harvey Barnes be a good fit for West Ham United?

However, this could all mean nothing as Newcastle are supposedly closing in on the attacker.

It's hard to argue that Barnes wouldn't be a good fit for a club like West Ham United, especially taking into account his consistent displays in the Premier League over the course of the last few years.

Last term, the 25-year-old enjoyed a productive time of things on the left flank for Leicester City, registering 13 goals and three assists in 40 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Being able to lay on opportunities on a plate for his teammates is a big part of Barnes' game and he managed to record 63 successful shot-creating actions in 2022/23 in the Premier League, as per FBRef.

WhoScored also show that Barnes averaged around 2.1 shots on goal per match in the English top flight over the course, proving to be a difficult presence for opposition backlines to keep at bay.

West Ham United boss Moyes will be keen to build on his side's Europa Conference League triumph this season as he aims to make strides in the Europa League and bringing in someone like Barnes would help to continue the Hammers' upward trajectory.

Arsenal will "look to speed up negotiations" over signing Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia after Thomas Partey's request to leave, according to reports.

Who else will join Arsenal this summer?

The Gunners and manager Mikel Arteta are believed to closing in on the signing of West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer.

Both Arsenal and West Ham have finally agreed a fee for the 24-year-old, reported to be around £105 million (£100m + £5m in add-ons), with treble-winners Man City pulling out of the race to sign him.

If a deal is announced, it would make Rice the most expensive British transfer in history, above the likes of Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham. The England international would also come in after Arsenal previously sealed a deal for Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is another who could follow, as reports suggest that the north Londoners are in advanced talks to sign the Netherlands international who has pushed to join them.

Arsenal, if all goes to plan, could spend north of £200 million with the addition of Lavia, who starred for Southampton during their relegation campaign, being targeted as well.

Arteta's side have been heavily linked with a swoop for the 19-year-old, but they aren't the only ones, as both Liverpool and Chelsea are also hot on Lavia's trail.

According to Football Transfers journalist Steve Kay, Arsenal will "look to speed up negotiations" for Lavia after a behind-the-scenes transfer request from star midfielder Partey.

The Ghanaian has apparently asked Arteta if he can leave this window, with the Spaniard reluctantly allowing him to depart before 2023/24.

There have been initial talks with Saudi sides and Juventus, but that is yet to formalize into bids. Whatever the result of Partey's departure, Arsenal are set to make a push for Lavia, and it is believed they have brilliant rapport with the teenager's representatives.

What's been said about Romeo Lavia?

The Saints couldn't avoid a drop to England's second tier last season, but according to members of the press, the "sensational" Lavia was a shining light.

Journalist Sam Tighe, after watching the Belgium international all through last season, claimed he is a very exciting prospect for Arsenal supporters.

"I watched every game Roméo Lavia played last season and he was absolutely incredible," said Tighe.

"A shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time. Arsenal reportedly advancing on a deal…one to be very excited about."

Manchester United are interested in signing teenage forward Adama Bojang, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest transfer news on Man United and Bojang?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have made a new forward one of their transfer priorities this summer, with Wout Wegorst’s loan spell coming to an end.

Anthony Martial’s future is also up in the air, which could leave Ten Hag with no senior striker on the books ahead of the 2023/24 season.

A number of marquee names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Harry Kane. Reports have suggested that Man United could be tempted back into a move for the Tottenham star if they lower their £100m asking price to £80m.

Meanwhile, there has been speculation that Man United are in the lead to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, and alongside a proven high-profile attacking addition, it looks as if a lesser-known final third name is also on the agenda.

Romano took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share an update he’s heard on Bojang. He revealed that those at Old Trafford are “now showing interest” in signing the “huge talent”, however, German sides Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig are also keen alongside French outfit Strasbourg.

“Manchester United are among clubs now showing interest in Gambia 2004 born talent Adama Bojang.

“Understand Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig are pushing to close deal for Bojang, considered a huge talent. Strasbourg are also monitoring the situation.”

Who is Adama Bojang?

Bojang is just 19 years of age and is an out-and-out centre-forward who plies his trade for Steve Bicko FC in The Gambia.

Standing at 6ft 3, he has been nicknamed “The Gambian Hurricane” and an absolute physical specimen in the media, blessed with both speed and strength. Bojang has also been praised for his good anticipation skills and composure when presented with chances in the box, drawing slight comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

He appears to be catching the eye all across Europe, so a move to Manchester could be a shrewd one by Old Trafford officials, and by the looks of things, it could be another to monitor over the coming months.

Josko Gvardiol has fully agreed personal terms with Manchester City and negotiations between the clubs over a fee are now very advanced as well.

How much will Gvardiol cost?

Gvardiol won't be cheap due to him showing outstanding ability at the highest level of the game at just 21-years-old. With a market value of €75million (£64.5m), even a deal on the low end of what RB Leipzig could ask for will require City chiefs to open their wallet.

While the higher reports have seen the German side asking for around €100m (£86m), a figure that would make him the most expensive defender ever, any sale would represent a huge profit on the €18.8m (£16m) which Leipzig spent on the Croatian in the summer of 2021.

It has previously been reported that Gvardiol is "keen to join" the treble winners according to journalist Rudy Galetti, and according to CalcioMercato, via Sport Witness, he is now a step closer to the move transpiring.

The report discloses that the versatile centre-back has a total "agreement" with the Blues over personal terms. Adding to this, all that is needed now is to complete the negotiations over a fee, which are said to be "already very advanced".

This likely means a transfer for Gvardiol should be expected sooner rather than later as Pep Guardiola looks to continue his incredible success for the blue side of Manchester.

How good is Gvardiol?

Being a young player who is already playing at such a high level, Gvardiol has had his flowers given to him multiple times already.

BBC Sport's Zach Lowy labelled Gvardiol as a "Rolls-Royce of a defender" at the World Cup last year, continuing: "20 years old and the best player on the pitch in a match that featured Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modrić…sensational center back."

This wasn't the only example of high praise, with Gvardiol's national team boss Zlatko Dalic singing his praises throughout the winter tournament.

Dalic said: “Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the world. To play this maturely, it’s amazing. The way he plays, with what elegance he carries the ball.”

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the 6 foot 1 Croatian as the "[Erling] Haaland of defenders", likely due to his mixture of physical dominance, technical ability, promising potential and already demonstrated his class at a high level.

Should City complete a deal for Gvardiol, he would definitely be of the required standard to slot in and improve Guardiola's champions – a scary prospect for the rest of the league.

West Ham United target Yunus Musah would be open to moving to the London Stadium this summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Yunus Musah?

According to CBS Sports, Valencia midfielder Musah has emerged as a target for West Ham United as they ponder options to replace club captain Declan Rice this summer, who looks to be on his way out of the London Stadium.

The report states that Musah has several clubs from the Premier League following his trail in the off-season; however, the Hammers have shown the most concrete interest in the United States international.

One outlet in Spain claim that the £24k-a-week ace could be available for around €25 million (£21.4 million) as Valencia look to cash in on one of their prize assets, who has plenty of admiration from other clubs.

In 2022/23, the New York City-born enforcer made 37 appearances in all competitions for Valencia, registering two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Musah has recently been involved in lifting silverware at international level and helped the United States national team to achieve their second successive Concacaf Nations League title following a 2-0 victory over Canada in Las Vegas, as per 90min.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Musah – who has been hailed a "warrior" by some in the media – may relish the opportunity to move to West Ham United this summer, though he doesn't believe he would be an automatic starter in east London.

Brown told FFC: "I think he's he's potentially a really good player. You may not expect him to play every week for West Ham because I think they will sign two midfielders this summer if and when Declan Rice goes and Musah would be possibly competing with two or three players to get in that team, but it's the lure of the Premier League and I do think he'd be interested if West Ham were to move for him."

What other midfielders have West Ham United been linked with?

West Ham United have been linked with several midfielders as David Moyes looks to build on their Europa Conference League triumph in 2022/23.

Football Insider claim that Southampton stalwart James Ward-Prowse is among their preferred targets this summer, while Tottenham Hotspur also retain an interest in the England international.

As per The Guardian, Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is on their radar at the London Stadium and has emerged as an alternative to Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, who is closing in on a move to Borussia Dortmund.

Takvim via Hammers News claim that West Ham United could go back in for Galatasaray attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this window following missing out on his signature in January, signifying that plenty of incomings could be in store for the Hammers in the next few months.

Manchester United aren't in a position to change hands at ownership level and the situation is 'still the same' despite reports from Qatar, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest takeover news involving Manchester United?

As per Qatari-based media organisation Al Watan via The Manchester Evening News on Monday, reports started to circulate that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Nine Two Foundation had won in their bid to take 100% control of Manchester United, with their editorial director Fahed al Emadi stating: "The announcement of the deal will be very soon."

Nevertheless, al Emadi retracted his statement soon after, tweeting: "Contrary to certain media and social media reports overnight, Al Watan is not owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Al Watan's media report yesterday speculating about possible movement in the Manchester United takeover process was based on international media reports, as stated in the article itself, and with such news widely circulating periodically in international media for many months."

The Daily Mail cite that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS are rival bidders to Sheikh Jassim and are proposing to buy a majority stake in the club that would allow the Glazer family to stay on for a period of time after the takeover before performing a 'sourced buyout' of the Premier League giants.

ESPN claim that several minority investment firms are waiting to hear whether they have been successful in their quest to gain some footing at Manchester United and are still in the process as the Glazer family weighs up all potential options.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has stated that despite media reports, Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation are no closer to buying Manchester United than they were before.

Romano said: “It’s still the same. I'm really sorry Man United fans, but we can't control that. The reality is that, at the moment, nothing has changed. It's still up to the Glazers.”

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United face a crucial few days at ownership level; however, that will not deter Erik Ten Hag in his bid to secure several new signings this summer ahead of next term.

Multiple players have been linked with the possibility of a move to Old Trafford and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has cropped up as a key target for the Red Devils, who are said to be in the process of formalising their interest in the England international with a bid for his services in the near future, as per Sky Sports.

Atalanta rising star Rasmus Hojlund is also on Manchester United's radar and talkSPORT claim that they are set to press ahead with their pursuit of the 20-year-old striker as Ten Hag looks to bolster his forward line.

Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is in the sights of Manchester United and has rejected a new contract at his current employers amid indications that he is attracting attention from the Red Devils, as per 90min, signifying that a lot of intriguing scenarios could appear in the next few weeks at Old Trafford both regarding potential ownership and player recruitment.

Newcastle United have emerged as “firm favourites” to bring RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to the Premier League, according to journalist Bence Bocsak.

Is Dominik Szoboszlai leaving RB Leipzig?

Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to bolster his central ranks during the upcoming window and has highlighted the 22-year-old as a player that he would like to try and bring to the northeast in the weeks and months ahead.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg recently revealed that the Hungary international is “aware” of the “concrete interest” from PIF and Eddie Howe who have made him a “top target” after previously sending scouts to watch him twice within the space of a fortnight.

Marco Rose’s talisman has openly admitted that he “dreams” of joining a “big club” and named England as one of three countries alongside Spain and Germany as a possible destination, and despite there also being interest from Liverpool, it sounds like the black and white stripes are the ones currently in pole position.

Are Newcastle signing Szoboszlai?

Taking to Twitter, Bocsak claimed that Newcastle are leading the race to land Szoboszlai who is apparently attracted by the ongoing project at St. James’ Park. He wrote:

“My latest info on Szoboszlai. Leipzig are willing to reluctantly let him go. Many parties interested, but no one ready to pay his €70m [£60m] release clause. #NUFC are firm favourites, and their project is appealing. He also has other interest from Spain and PL. #LFC like him, but not in the race at this stage."

Newcastle going to the lengths that they have in their pursuit of Szoboszlai shows just how serious they are about securing his services, and having been dubbed a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, PIF should 100% cash out on the attacking midfielder.

The EM Sports Consulting client clocked up 14 goal contributions (eight assists and six goals) in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season and as recognition for his high standard of performances, received four man-of-the-match awards.

The Champions League participant was also a constant threat even when he wasn’t on the scoresheet during the previous term, recording 150 shot-creating actions which was higher than any of his teammates and 117 crosses which was the second-biggest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

Szoboszlai, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions in midfield and attack, is additionally appreciated on the international stage having been named Hungary’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, so it would be a massive coup for the Magpies boss should he successfully land his target.

Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen Manchester United’s attacking options during the summer transfer window, and Bundesliga forward Randal Kolo Muani has been eyed as a potential addition.

What’s the latest on Randal Kolo Muani to Manchester United?

The Red Devils are actually interested in both Rasmus Hojlund and Kolo Muani according to the Athletics’ Laurie Whitwell, who Tweeted:

“Erik ten Hag ideally wants a young forward plus an experienced one. Hojlund, 20, falls into former category. Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani also discussed.”

The Frenchman won't come cheap however, with Eintracht Frankfurt's CEO Axel Hallmann insisting that the striker is worth more than €90m (£78m) in the current market and this could perhaps be a challenge for the Dutchman, especially as he aims to bolster other areas of his team too.

What is Randal Kolo Muani’s style of play?

According to WhoScored, the versatile 24-year-old likes to dribble and can cut inside, while he can also play across the front three. He is predominantly a centre-forward, one capable of using his finishing skills to devastating effect.

Indeed, this season, the Frankfurt frontman has scored 23 goals and registered 17 assists across 45 appearances in all competitions, playing 43 of those games as a striker and Ten Hag could certainly form a deadly duo with him and Marcus Rashford next term.

Ten Hag has deployed the Englishman on the left wing for 31 games during the 2022/23 campaign, and he has been rewarded handsomely with 16 goals and six assists, with the 25-year-old registering 41 goal contributions overall from 55 matches, being revitalised by the Dutchman after grabbing just seven goal contributions the season before.

Rashford ranked first for successful dribbles (1.5 per game), third for assists (five) and ninth for key passes (0.9 per game) in the whole United squad in the league, and his ability to drive past opponents and set up opportunities for his teammates could allow Kolo Muani to thrive, considering that he would be receiving excellent service.

Ten Hag's current underperforming centre-forwards of Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst have both failed to score over ten goals during 2022/23 and this is an area that must be strengthened in order to lead the Old Trafford side to more glory, so signing Kolo Muani would be an excellent move.

Journalist Zach Lowy praised him following the 2022 World Cup, saying: “He’s left a positive impression on this tournament and at 24, he’s only going to improve. Top-class talent.”

If Ten Hag manages his development well, the Frankfurt player could become a big hit with the United faithful, given the evidence above. Just imagine his potential partnership with Rashford, heading into the new campaign.

Burnley are going to need some attacking reinforcements if they are going to translate their success in the Championship into strong performances in the Premier League.

Vincent Kompany's side look like a strong outfit following their title win but have already lost key attacking outlets, Ashley Barnes and Nathan Tella, with it unclear at this stage if the Clarets' top scorer will return to Turf Moor after his superb loan spell from Southampton.

However, if a deal cannot be agreed with the Saints, who may well be keen to keep Tella given their own relegation to the Championship, then Kompany could find a new version of the 23-year-old in Liverpool's attacking talent, Fabio Carvalho.

Could Burnley sign Carvalho?

According to Football Insider, Burnley are open to both a loan or permanent move for the Portuguese youngster this summer after a frustrating debut season at Anfield, which has seen him muster just 340 minutes of action in the Premier League.

He did register three goals in 22 total appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side but given the array of attacking talent available at Anfield, it was perhaps always going to be difficult for him to earn a regular starting spot.

However, he has already shown his class in the Championship with Fulham, notching ten goals and eight assists as they won the title under Marco Silva in 2021/22, which suggests that he needs regular football in order to achieve his potential.

Klopp has already hinted that the Portugal U21 international, who earns £40k-per-week, could depart on loan this summer, saying:

“I think there is a possibility Fabio could go on loan, but we will see. This was not the best year of his career, his young career,” he said.

“No player has impressed me more than Fabio, that’s the truth. This very talented boy came here with big dreams and big expectations and it didn’t work out. His work ethic will give him a fantastic career."

Could Carvalho be Burnley's next Tella?

Carvalho has already proven himself to be a top Championship player and while he didn't get as much game time as he would have liked at Anfield, a year learning from Klopp will only have helped him grow as a player.

While Burnley would prefer not to be dependent on loan players, the success of Tella shows that Kompany can benefit greatly from the loan market, and Carvalho's goalscoring knack could help to keep the Clarets in the Premier League next season.

Liverpool journalist Paul Machin waxed lyrical about the young attacking midfielder in a recent interview with Football FanCast.

He said: "He's small, he's technical, he's actually quite quick. I think he's a tremendous little player. He's got a great eye for goal, he's got an uncanny knack to arrive in the right place at the right time, in terms of scoring goals."

A nimble forward with goals and assists in his locker, the similarities to Tella are clear, with the Saints loanee also emphasising his ability in front of goal with 17 in the second tier last season.

Therefore, if Burnley can help Carvalho to rediscover his best form at Turf Moor, then Kompany could have another gem on his hands.

Leeds United saw their three-year stint in the Premier League cut ruthlessly short on Sunday, as their 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur confirmed their relegation.

Wins elsewhere for Everton and Leicester City only exacerbated such failures, as they finished 19th to return to the Championship.

Having spent 16 years in the second division the last time they were demoted, the hope around Elland Road will be that they can avoid another lengthy absence and bounce back at the first time of asking.

To do that, it will require an almighty effort from the hierarchy to secure a new long-term manager and a host of new players to propel them there, amidst a potential takeover.

However, they might have some key assets who could spearhead such a charge, who are already in their squad and unlikely to leave this summer.

One such example is Darko Gyabi, who joined as a top-quality youngster from Manchester City just last summer. Despite the £5m expended, he was forced into the U21s for the majority of the campaign.

Having surely acclimatised to life at Elland Road now, next term could truly be his breakthrough one to announce himself as a star in Yorkshire.

How good is Darko Gyabi?

With all the physical assets to compete in such a taxing division, it is wholly possible that the 19-year-old could be the Championship's next top product.

After all, he has already shown himself to be at a level above his youth category, with journalist Joe Donnohue offering massive praise after one performance in particular back in March: "Darko Gyabi's performance tonight is the most complete midfield display by any LUFC player, at any level, (I've seen) this season. Passing, strength, presence, awareness, use of his body – class."

He continued by noting that he "plays with an attitude, dynamism & real vitality"; attributes that will be key to dominating midfield battles.

As such, he may already be ahead of a certain Weston McKennie, the American who endured a torrid time in Yorkshire after his half a season loan from Juventus back in January.

The midfielder did little to weave his way into the hearts of those at Elland Road during his six-month stint, as he travelled home to Turin this week with zero goals and just one assist to show for his efforts.

On the flip side, with Gyabi amassing five goal contributions from 17 Premier League 2 games, his offensive input cannot be understated alongside his other impressive attributes. This has culminated in just three senior appearances, which should be vastly expanded upon next season with more game time likely forthcoming.

Gyabi's work in the U20 World Cup serves to offer further proof as to just how remarkable he is for his age, as the teenage sensation has recorded a 7.07 average rating thus far, maintaining an 88% pass accuracy alongside, one interception, 2.7 tackles and 2.7 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore.

This tough-tackling mindset blended with elegance on the ball makes him a technical marvel, who already stands at a whopping 6 foot 5 to only emphasise his stature as someone capable of making the step up.

He has everything needed to shine at senior level, and it could be argued that a run of games in the Premier League might have even been merited. But with huge changes set to occur this summer once McKennie and co depart, Gyabi should offer some clarity for the new boss, as a nailed-on starter for their new adventure in the Championship.