Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that West Ham United are now expecting Declan Rice to leave the club this summer following his omission from the Irons’ recent promotional campaign.

The Lowdown: Irons’ advertising campaign

According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old has not featured in any of the Hammers’ promotional content as the East London outfit continue to advertise their new kit ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Back in April, The Athletic reported that David Moyes’ side would only consider bids for their star man if they neared the club’s whopping £150m valuation.

This followed extensive rumours which linked Rice with a move away in January, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United the most prominent of suitors.

The Latest: Kenny’s claim

Kenny, 44, has reacted to Rice’s recent absence in confusion, concluding that it must mean that the midfielder is set to leave the club this summer, otherwise he would be the star of their advertising campaign.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed:

“I find it strange that they haven’t had him in the pictures.

“Is it a massive sign that they aren’t expecting him to be there? For me, it is. Why would you not have your main player there?

“He’s a fan favourite, an England international. To not have him on the pictures for the new kit, I just don’t get that.

“Unless they know he isn’t going to be there so there is no point in taking them.”

The Verdict: Worrying absence?

Whilst rumours of an East London exit for Rice are hardly new, the emergence of potential evidence – if you want to call it that – could be viewed as extremely worrying news for West Ham fans.

The England international has refused to sign multiple contract offers with the Irons, but it has been reported that GSB will not allow their star man to leave this summer, with the player’s current deal lasting until the summer of 2024 and an option for a further year which can be triggered by the club.

Therefore, if Kenny’s suggestion is correct and Rice is set to leave this summer, then West Ham are surely counting on an absolutely huge offer for the 23-year-old as his departure would not come without a colossal fee.

In other news: Irons interested in signing James Ward-Prowse…

Nottingham Forest are looking to improve their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League next season, and now a new potential transfer target has been named by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Forest are now interested in signing Crysencio Summerville this summer.

Romano tweeted: “Nottingham Forest and AZ Alkmaar are interested in Crysencio Summerville with many clubs exploring this possibility, but Leeds are busy trying to keep the player at Elland Road by extending his contract.”

“Negotiations ongoing to decide his future as soon as possible.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited at the prospect of a potential new signing, especially a move for a youngster who can not only offer longevity for the future of the team but Premier League experience too.

Summerville was hailed a “raw talent” by Chris Powell who give a glittering assessment of the young Leeds United winger in an interview with The Yorkshire Post;

“You could see the raw talent he had.

“He’s only tiny, he’s like five foot nothing but he’s got wonderful balance.

“One v one is his strength, against players. He’s quite a free spirit out on the wing, in a good way. He’ll excite you, he’s a bag of tricks, there’s some talent there.”

The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut for Leeds last season under Marcelo Bielsa in a draw with Newcastle United, and tallied up six appearances in the league but is yet to make it into a starting line-up, nevertheless, Summerville certainly gave a glimpse of his talents in his limited game-time for the Yorkshire club.

The Dutchman was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles (57%) and won the majority of his ground duels (59%), as well as successfully delivering 100% of his long balls despite averaging 22 minutes per game, and now Steve Cooper could give the player his next step in his development by offering more game-time at The City Ground.

Summerville also made 12 appearances in the Premier League 2 last season where he scored an impressive six goals and delivered one assist, with a goal contribution every 103 minutes.

Ultimately, Summerville is a rough diamond that could be polished up by the Forest boss and could follow in the footsteps of Brennan Johnson – who is the perfect example of a young player that has thrived in Cooper’s forward line over the last 12 months.

AND in other news: “Deal will..”: Sky Sports journo drops major NFFC transfer news that’ll excite Cooper

Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed some significant Everton news involving Harry Winks and Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Swap deal?

The Goodison Park outfit have been strongly linked with a move for Tottenham midfielder Winks throughout the window so far, while Spurs have been linked with a move for Richarlison.

It begs the question as to whether the two Premier League clubs could potentially arrange a swap deal involving the two players, with Spurs giving some extra cash to sweeten it.

The Latest: Romano gives transfer update

Taking to Twitter, Romano has now shared an update on both players’ situations, claiming that a potential move for Richarlison ‘was discussed in talks’ between both clubs over Winks, as the latter ‘could’ be included in a swap deal.

The Italian journalist claimed: “Tottenham are still well informed on Richarlison – was discussed during talks for Harry Winks-Everton. Richarlison would be open to Spurs move #THFC. It also depends on Raphinha domino.

“Winks talks going slow, as he could be included in Richarlison talks or separated deal.”

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The Verdict: Depends on Tottenham offer…

Whether Everton should accept a swap deal involving Winks and Richarlison should depend on how much money Spurs are prepared to throw in along with the Englishman to bring in the Brazil international.

Winks is currently rated at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, while Richarlison is worth significantly more at £43.2m, so the north London club would surely have to stump up some extra cash to make a swap deal viable.

Moreover, the Brazilian would be very difficult to replace at Goodison Park given that he finished as the Toffees’ top scorer and highest-rated performer in the Premier League last season (WhoScored), so they could do with a significant amount of extra money from any potential Richarlison/Winks swap deal.

Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba is ‘in talks’ with Lens over a summer move, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has revealed.

The Lowdown: Samba rejects new deal

Steve Cooper’s men secured a return to the Premier League last season, enjoying a memorable campaign that culminated in them beating Huddersfield Town in the Championship playoff final.

Forest had endless heroes throughout the season and Samba was clearly one of them, proving to be the penalty shootout star in the semi-final win over Sheffield United.

Unfortunately, the 28-year-old has since rejected a new deal at the City Ground, suggesting he will move on this summer.

The Latest: Lens move mooted

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Sky Sports reporter Sheth claimed that Samba could join Lens after opening talks, although Forest want to line-up a replacement first:

“Nottingham Forest in talks with Lens over sale of keeper Brice Samba, who wants a return to France. Forest unlikely to finalise move until they have replacement. Talks continue with Manchester United over Dean Henderson.”

The Verdict: Such a big blow

Samba was such an influential presence between the sticks for Forest last season, so there is no denying that this is a massive blow for Cooper ahead of his side’s Premier League return.

The Congolese colossus started 43 league matches in 2021/22, winning three Man of the Match awards from WhoScored, and it is such a shame that he doesn’t want to test himself in arguably the best division in the world.

It is now imperative that Forest sign a perfect replacement, with Manchester United’s Dean Henderson looking the most likely option, in that respect. That could be an ideal move for all concerned as the Englishman seeks more playing time ahead of this year’s World Cup.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Forest transfer update. Read more here.

Everton’s interest in Harry Winks could play a part in negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over Richarlison, according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law.

The lowdown

Tottenham have expressed an interest in signing the 25-year-old, but the Toffees are driving a hard bargain. They believe he’s worth ‘well over’ £50m, having paid an initial £35m (potentially rising to £50m with add-ons) for the Brazilian in 2018.

Winks, who can play as both a defensive midfielder and a number eight, has two years remaining on his contract with the Lilywhites. The 26-year-old only started nine Premier League matches last season, and may therefore be open to making a move in pursuit of additional game time.

The latest

In The Telegraph, Law explained that Everton are admirers of Winks, who could consequently be included as part of a deal which would see Richarlison going in the opposite direction.

Alternatively, he and the Brazil international could move in separate transfers.

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The verdict

Transfermarkt value Winks at £15.3m, so that’s roughly the figure that we may see knocked off Richarlison’s price tag if he becomes part of the package. Would this be a smart business decision from Everton?

Winks is an accomplished distributor, ranking in the 76th percentile among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for passing accuracy (86.6%) and the 98th percentile for progressive passes, as per FBRef. Also, he is capable of ‘dictating the game’, in the words of former Spurs striker Robbie Keane.

In this respect, the Englishman – who is similar in profile to Chelsea’s Jorginho – could be a real asset if he is added to Frank Lampard’s midfield.

He has earned praise from Pep Guardiola in the past, with the City manager noting after a 1-0 win for his team against Spurs at Wembley in 2018 that Winks ‘changed the game’ as a substitute, while the 26-year-old’s former boss Mauricio Pochettino likened him to Xavi and Iniesta.

Just imagine seeing a player of that ilk strutting his stuff at Goodison Park every other week…

In other news, David Ornstein has shared some big Everton news.

Everton have been linked with a move for Billy Gilmour this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Telegraph reporter Matt Law, Everton are interested in signing Billy Gilmour this summer.

In Law’s latest article for the publication, the journalist details that the Toffees are still interested in signing both Gilmour and fellow Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher during the current transfer window.

Delph replacement

Everton have midfield outgoings in the squad this summer with Donny Van de Beek returning to Manchester United following his loan deal and Fabian Delph leaving next week due to the expiration of his contract, so Gilmour will surely be welcomed with open arms to replace the latter at Goodison Park.

Gilmour is no stranger to Frank Lampard, as the Everton boss gave the Scottish youngster his Premier League debut at Chelsea when he was managing the team at Stamford Bridge when he was just 18 years old, so Lampard will have no trouble knowing how to deploy Gilmour effectively in the team.

The £10.8m-rated gem most recently went on a season-long loan deal to Norwich City and despite the side being relegated, Gilmour gave glimpses of his talents and continued development whilst playing with the Canaries last season.

In the Premier League, the Scotsman delivered one assist and created one big chance, making 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 3.8 duels on average per game, whilst being successful in the majority of his dribble attempts (68%) and tallied up a pass accuracy of 91% in his own half over 24 appearances.

Since the 21-year-old’s debut back in 2019, the young midfielder has been the recipient of high praise, with former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness hailing the player “exceptional” during an ITV Sport pundit analysis of his performance for Scotland against England in 2019;

“He doesn’t give the ball away. He’s got that fantastic habit for a midfield player of passing the ball to the same colour shirt. He keeps the ball in tight spaces and kept Scotland ticking over.

“For a 20-year-old to come in and play in that atmosphere with very few games under his belt this year, I thought it was an exceptional performance. He was the best player on the pitch (against England).”

Ultimately, Thelwell could secure a great signing and replacement for Delph this summer if he can seal the deal for Gilmour and the player will surely be tempted by the move to be given the opportunity to work under his former boss again.

AND in other news, Lampard could land his own Jude Bellingham in Everton swoop for “special” £50m dynamo

Celtic are set to confirm the signing of winger Jota on a permanent deal by the end of this week, according to reports in the player’s homeland.

The Lowdown: Jota a key man for Hoops

The Portuguese maestro was one of the Hoops’ most prominent attacking players last season, hitting the ground running after joining on loan from Benfica.

Jota registered 15 goal involvements in just 21 Scottish Premiership starts – seven goals and eight assists – with his pace and trickery out wide proving to be a nightmare for opponents.

Celtic have reportedly been working on a permanent move for some time and it appears to be getting closer to being completed by the day.

The Latest: Permanent move close

According to Record [via Sport Witness], a deal could be struck ‘by the end of the week’, as the Hoops secure the long-term services of a rising star in Jota.

Celtic have triggered the 23-year-old’s release clause and it is now just a case of agreeing some personal terms.

The Verdict: Big piece of business

Signing Jota on a permanent basis was of the utmost importance for Ange Postecoglou this summer, with the attacker such a potent player for Celtic in 2021/22.

Had they failed to get their man it would have felt like a crushing blow, but instead, his arrival will feel as important as any new face that comes in before the start of next season.

Jota has been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Postecoglou himself, which shows how much he admires him, and he could become a future superstar at Parkhead.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly eyeing up a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Liverpool to sell Roberto Firmino this summer after the new arrival of Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez signs

It was confirmed earlier this week that the Benfica striker has made the move to the Premier League after putting pen to paper on a six-year deal at Anfield, for what could rise to a club-record fee of £85m.

Firmino has been one of the Reds’ longest-serving players, having joined the Merseyside outfit in 2015, but he, alongside his strike partners Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, are all set to be out of contract with the top-flight giants next year, creating plenty of speculation surrounding their individual futures.

The Latest: Agbonlahor makes Firmino claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor insisted that Liverpool had to sign a new forward as a result of Manchester City securing Erling Haaland, but it leaves Firmino out in the cold:

“They needed to do it. Regardless of whether Mane stays or goes, they needed another attacker.

“Firmino is not good enough. He’s done well for Liverpool over the years but it’s time for him to go.

“You’ve got to keep up with other teams, you can’t stay still. It’s a big statement signing.

“I’m sure Man City were buzzing when they signed Haaland and now they’ve seen Liverpool get Nunez they will think it’s going to be a hard season and it’s hard to call.”

The Verdict: Ideal backup option

Firmino was definitely unlucky when it came injuries last season, having missed a total of 25 matches as a result of sustaining four separate problems, something which contributed to him slightly falling down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the Brazilian still managed to make 20 top-flight appearances and recorded nine goal contributions during that time, as per Transfermarkt, showing that he is still very much capable of producing the goods when given the chance.

There’s no way that the 30-year-old will consistently be chosen to be in the Liverpool starting XI ahead of Nunez or Diogo Jota for that matter, but he’s still a player who is good to have around the building and can make a hugely positive impact from the bench, so there would be no harm in keeping him around for a little bit longer.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped a Sadio Mane transfer twist.

Having finally wrapped up the signing of Morocco international, Nayef Aguerd, West Ham United boss David Moyes is reportedly set to press on with further transfer business…

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard’s Giuseppe Muro, the Hammers are said to be targeting as many as six additional signings to that of the 26-year-old, centre-back, with Moyes set to be significantly backed ahead of a campaign that will see the club once again juggle domestic and European commitments.

While no potential targets or priority positions are mentioned in the report, the latest suggestion is that a new centre-forward is one area that needs addressing, with Chelsea youngster Armando Broja believed to be a current player of interest, following his impressive stint on loan at Southampton.

The Albania international’s former Saints teammate James Ward-Prowse is another name to have been linked with a move to the London Stadium, while Alphonse Areola could be set for a permanent stay after his recent temporary spell.

Supporters buzzing

Although it remains somewhat difficult to narrow down who the Irons’ actual targets are this summer, the fact that they appear set to recruit so extensively will be music to the ears of the club’s support, as Moyes’ men look to kick on again next term.

Having secured European qualification for the second season running last term, the former Manchester United boss will be acutely aware that his side will need to be strengthened, with resources having been stretched, particularly defensively, as a result of their remarkable run to the Europa League semi-finals last season.

That lack of potential squad depth has been hampered even further by the retirement of club captain Mark Noble, while fellow midfielder Alex Kral appears unlikely to see his loan move made permanent, having made just a single Premier League appearance in the 2021/22 campaign.

Equally, Croatia international Nikola Vlasic appears set for a swift departure after just a solitary campaign with the club, while veteran winger Andriy Yarmolenko is set for pastures new following the expiry of his contract, with full-back Ryan Fredericks set to follow him out the door.

Those departures – or potential exits – have left a number of holes to be plugged for Moyes and co this summer, while in attack the lack of genuine competition to Michail Antonio also remains a concern, with the club simply unable to rely on 32-year-old alone for another campaign.

To know that the Hammers are plotting to hopefully solve those issues, however, with a raft of new additions will no doubt be of great delight to the club’s supporters, with the arrival of the aforementioned Aguerd seemingly just the tip of the iceberg in the current window.

IN other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Rangers could potentially have the edge in the race to bring a young striker to Ibrox this summer according to one journalist.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Pete O’Rourke suggested that there is hope Giovanni van Bronckhorst can bring Cameron Archer to Rangers this summer.

The respected insider hinted that the Ibrox side’s connection with Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard could aid them in their bid to sign the 20-year-old, should the Midlands outfit sanction a departure this summer.

Amid reports linking the Old Firm giants with the striker, O’Rourke outlined the role Gerrard could play: “It would definitely give them maybe increased hope that they could agree a deal between both clubs.

“There will be a relationship obviously between Gerrard and Rangers, so maybe he might be more inclined to send Cameron Archer up to Ibrox if it does come down to that, knowing what Rangers can offer the striker as well.”

That connection with their former boss could prove vital in helping to fend off rival interest – notably from Watford – although The Athletic report that the former Liverpool skipper will take a closer look at the academy product this summer, before deciding whether or not to sanction a temporary exit.

GvB will love him

That claim will be music to the ears of manager van Bronckhorst, with the Dutchman seemingly keen on the promising forward, amid the club’s search for new attacking recruits.

With Cedric Itten having joined BSC Young Boys on a permanent deal and with Alfredo Morelos tipped for a departure – with just 12 months left on his current deal – the need to bolster the forward ranks has become a top priority.

In Archer, the Glasgow side have identified a talent who is seemingly only going to get better in the coming years, having begun to earn wider acclaim after a real standout campaign for both club and country.

Having joined Preston North End in a six-month loan deal in January, the £5.4m-rated gem went on to score an impressive seven goals and provide one assist in just 20 Championship outings at Deepdale, with manager Ryan Lowe left in awe by his “abundance of talent”.

The £2.4k-per-week starlet followed up that eye-catching loan stint with a stunning burst of form for the England U21 side, netting four times in just four games for the Three Lions, with such form seeing him dubbed a “goal machine” by Ty Bracey.

Equally, while his role back at his parent club has been limited thus far, the Walsall-born ace has still managed to net a remarkable four goals in just six games for Villa at senior level, notably scoring a terrific header in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup back in September.

It would seem then that the lethal marksman is set to kick on even more if handed regular game time next season, with Van Bronckhorst and co potentially able to offer valuable minutes at a top-level club, as they juggle European and domestic duties.

As for the former Feyenoord boss – who replaced Gerrard in the dugout back in November – having such an exciting weapon in his arsenal such as Archer can only be a positive.

AND in other news, “Rangers will…”: Jordan Campbell drops big transfer update, supporters will be livid…