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West Ham United's pursuit of Denis Zakaria "makes sense" and a deal for the player could be finalised at a "decent price", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

West Ham United transfer news – What's the latest on Denis Zakaria?

It has been a whirlwind summer for the Hammers so far, with the team winning the Conference League and ending their 43-year trophy drought to being the sellers in the first big transfer saga of the summer.

That transfer saga, of course, involved their captain Declan Rice, who they have reportedly accepted a £105m offer from Arsenal to let go.

With the England international gone and £105m burning a hole in their pocket, the Hammers have started to turn their attention to potential replacements for their departing star.

However, whether it's the market in general or the fact that teams are fully aware of the Irons' recent windfall, the targets the club have been pursuing keep getting more expensive.

For example, it has been heavily reported that the East London side were seriously interested in the services of Fulham's Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha. However, they have since had to cool that interest after it was revealed that the Cottagers demanded £90m for their player.

That said, there could be one target that David Moyes could get through the door without spending most of the Rice money, Zakaria.

According to reports from Italy, the Hammers have offered Juventus £13m for their midfielder, and whilst that offer was rejected, they have reportedly asked for just £17m to get the deal done.

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Denis Zakaria to West Ham United?

Jones was straight to the point in explaining that West Ham moving in for the player was the most likely scenario compared to Palhinha.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "Zakaria probably makes a bit more sense for them. To be honest, he seems like a player that can be brought at a decent price."

Would Zakaria be a good signing for West Ham United?

Zakaria has, at points, proven he has the ability and skills necessary to make it at a side in the top half of a major European league, and to judge him based on his limited appearances for Chelsea last season would be unfair.

According to WhoScored, the Swiss international has averaged a season rating of at least 6.52 in every season in which he has started at least 15 matches, peaking at an average rating of 7.15 during the 2019/20 season for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Mönchengladbach.

His underlying numbers are also very impressive with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing him in the top 5% for pass completion, the top 11% for clearances, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 22% for non-penalty goals, all per 90.

Granted, his limited minutes over the last 12 months will have influenced those numbers, but it shows that there is something worth taking a risk on for a team outside the traditional top six.

He has picked up rave reviews from those who have worked with him as well, with Adam Owen, the current assistant manager at Hibernian, particularly taken aback by the player when he was at Swiss side Servette FC at the same time, telling Sky Sports:

"Physically, he was an absolute machine even then. Good with the ball. It does not surprise me that he has gone on to do so well. He can drive with the ball, decent in defence, solid. As a teenager, he had all those characteristics. He probably reminds you of Patrick Vieira."

With a review like that, maybe spending £17m on Zakaria shouldn't be considered a gamble at all, and if West Ham can get it done, it could make the transition away from Rice a lot easier.

Aston Villa are interested in Roma defender Roger Ibanez, if reports regarding Unai Emery’s defensive master plan are to be believed.

The Spaniard is down to the small print in his pursuit of bringing former player Pau Torres to Villa Park, with news last week reporting that a fee had been agreed between the club and the defender.

Emery’s ploy to bolster his defence could be far from over, with reports earlier this week claiming that the Villans may opt to make a move for Roma centre-back Ibanez.

The Brazilian is said to be a wanted man in the Midlands, with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport – relayed by TEAMtalk – claiming last weekend that the club are ‘ready’ to present an opening offer to the Serie A side for the defender who is said to be valued between €25m and €30m (£21m and £26m).

Despite being a solid performer for I Giallorossi, the 24-year-old could be sold to ensure that the club meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, with Ibanez seen as the ‘primary source of revenue’, via RomaPress.

Villa aren’t the only Premier League club eyeing the talent, with Tottenham also heavily linked to signing the defender this summer.

Where could Roger Ibanez fit in at Aston Villa?

Once lauded as “untouchable” by Roma boss Jose Mourinho, the 24-year-old has received high praise from a figure that has coached some of the world’s most prolific talents.

Villa are planning a revolution under the guidance of Emery after confirming European football for next season with a seventh place Premier League finish.

Signing long-term target Torres has added significant star power to the Spaniard’s back line, with himself and Monchi hoping to bring big-name talents to the Midlands in the bid to take the club to the next step.

Described by members of the media with tactical and analytic knowledge as “aggressive and proactive”, Ibanez could be not just the perfect partner for Torres, but the ideal heir to Tyrone Mings, who could see his time in the squad fizzle out during the revamp.

The Englishman has been rejuvenated under Emery, however, links to Ibanez could spell a nearing of the end of the road for the 30-year-old, who as supported by numbers, has not performed to the level of the Villa target over the last season.

When comparing the two centre-backs on their respective 2022/23 campaigns, it’s clear to see why the Villans are interested in Ibanez, who would be an upgrade to the back line at Villa Park.

As per FBref comparisons, the Brazilian averaged 2.12 interceptions and 2.16 tackles per 90 in Serie A with the Englishman falling short with an average of 1.54 interceptions and 0.43 tackles per 90 for Villa in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old’s defensive strengths are elevated in comparison to Mings, who fell short to his 1.03 average of dribblers tackled per 90, scoring just 0.43 per 90 in this area, displaying the Roma ace’s inquisitive nature.

Acting as a reliable figure in the back line, Ibanez averaged an impressive 7.02 ball recoveries per 90 to the Villa defender’s 4.97, once more showing his prowess over the 30-year-old, via FBref.

Emery could strike gold this summer by upgrading his defence with the likes of Torres and Ibanez, who have acted as two warriors in their respective leagues. As such, they are deals that could show the progressive direction of Villa’s plans going forward.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is getting "closer and closer" to Bayern Munich with Spurs and the Germans "negotiating to reach an agreement".

Who is leaving Spurs this summer?

Ange Postecoglou's arrival marks the beginning of a new era and the return of attacking football at N17, with the Australian already receiving chairman Daniel Levy's backing before he's even officially started.

The former Celtic boss is set to begin his reign as Spurs manager tomorrow but has already seen both goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison join his new club permanently.

They're also chasing a new centre-back signing, with talks reportedly ongoing for Micky van de Ven of Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba.

To fund these moves, though, Levy and the north Londoners will need to generate cash through player sales – and there are plenty of squad members to choose from.

Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier and Ben Davies have all been linked with exits, while Spurs could also look to offload Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele (The Telegraph).

Harry Winks is thought to be already on his way to Leicester City, while one player who Spurs definitely won't want to part ways with is Kane.

Spurs have already rejected a £60 million verbal offer from Bayern Munich in recent days, but according to TUTTOmercatoWEB, the Bavarians are coming back in again.

This time, they're set to offer an all-in bid of around £70 million for Kane, with TMW's headline stating Kane is getting "closer and closer" to Bayern.

Both Tottenham and Thomas Tuchel's side are allegedly in "constant contact", whilst "negotiating to reach an agreement" around the £70m fixed base.

Levy, though, is demanding a minimum of £86m for Kane, according to this report.

What's been said about Harry Kane?

The 29-year-old has been praised throughout his career, and for good reason.

Kane is both Spurs' all-time top goalscorer, having recently surpassed the legendary Jimmy Greaves, with Tottenham's striker also taking over Wayne Rooney as England's greatest ever goal-getter.

Called a "genius" by football writer Andrew Gaffney, the former Leyton Orient loanee has also been seriously endorsed by former Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte.

"We are talking about a world class striker,” Conte said.

“He deserves the best because he's a great worker, hard worker… this is not normal because usually the players that have talent many times don't like to work hard because they have talent.

“In my career I didn't have great talent [so] for this reason I worked hard. What I liked about him from the first time was his ability. He was a big example for his team-mates."

Fulham are now targeting Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer and Mauricio Pochettino's side are open to selling him, according to reports.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

In the past week, Whites transfer rumours have been seriously hotting up, both in terms of potential departures and signings for Marco Silva.

Fulham enjoyed a successful first full campaign back in the Premier League after being promoted from the Championship, comfortably avoiding relegation and finished mid-table.

While they couldn't quite do enough to seal European football for next season, the foundations to build are there, and it is believed the west Londoners are looking at strengthening a variety of positions.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez have all been linked in the past 10 days.

Meanwhile, it is believed top flight rivals are eyeing moves for star Fulham players Joao Palhinha and Antonee Robinson, with Leicester City also apparently looking to steal away club captain Tom Cairney.

If these rumours come to fruition, it could well be a busy summer at Craven Cottage, with news emerging of another target on their radar.

Hudson-Odoi, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is apparently being targeted by Fulham.

That is according to The Guardian and reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg, who claims Fulham, Milan and Nottingham Forest have registered interest in the £120,000-per-week forward.

Chelsea are prepared to sell Hudson-Odoi, and could do so for just £15 million, with the winger looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

He's out of contract next year, and with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, Fulham could offer him the chance to remain in west London.

Hudson-Odoi has offers from the Middle East, though it is thought his preference is to remain in Europe at this stage.

What's been said about Hudson-Odoi?

Frank Lampard once tipped the 22-year-old for stardom at Chelsea, calling him an "incredible" player back in 2019 whilst claiming he could be "huge" for the Blues.

Fast forward to now, and that hasn't quite worked out, but Lampard isn't the only person to have seriously endorsed the winger.

FourFourTwo writer Mark White, taking to Twitter just last year, called Hudson-Odoi a "special" player and drew particular attention to his "unbelievable vision" and "sheer mentality".

Given he is available for just £15m, and Fulham are in need of forward depth, he could be a prudent option.

Newcastle United may have received a boost in their pursuit of James Maddison, with Newcastle World reporting that the player has already asked about the club and living in the area ahead of a potential transfer switch.

Are Newcastle United signing James Maddison?

The midfielder has really come into his own since moving into the Premier League with Leicester City and has continued to get better season after season. In 2022/23 for example, he played 30 times for the club in the top flight and despite the Foxes being relegated, he still managed to contribute ten goals and nine assists along the way.

That goals plus assists total was the best at his club and only slightly below his contribution rate a season earlier, when he managed 20.

He outscored actual out-and-out strikers such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka – showing just how impressive his finishing ability is for a player who isn't naturally a number nine – all while blowing the rest of his squad away in terms of assists and chance creation.

What is the latest news on Maddison?

According to a report from Newcastle World, Newcastle could be ready to boost their own attacking output by bringing Maddison to the club. The Toon have been linked with the player for a while but they've been handed a boost today with the news that the England man – who is valued at around £60m by Leicester – has already been making enquiries about the Magpies and best places to live in the city. The report claims that rumours of him preferring a switch to London are false, and he is open to heading north.

Football journalist Josh Bunting is one of many media members to heap praise on Maddison's "impressive" form in recent times, adding that he is a "creative" presence whether he features on the flank or behind the striker.

Considering how highly he is viewed, he is surely destined for a move back into the top flight and it certainly seems as if Newcastle is an option.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly interested in the services of striker Lyndon Dykes.

Rangers transfer news – What's the latest on Lyndon Dykes

According to the Daily Mail, the Glasgow giants are interested in reuniting the Scotland forward with former boss Michael Beale north of the border.

The Teddy Bears' interest has come in the aftermath of his 'heroics' with the national side against Norway on Saturday.

The 27-year-old scored late on to level the game before providing the assist for Kenny McLean in their 2-1 win.

The performance has also led to interest from other clubs, with Burnley and Millwall now interested, the latter having already submitted a £2m offer in January.

Could Lyndon Dykes replicate Jermain Defoe's success at Rangers?

In recent years, Rangers have made a habit of poaching strikers from the Championship or lower-level Premier League clubs, with the most prominent example being Jermain Defoe, who joined from AFC Bournemouth in 2019.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man's time in Glasgow was a fruitful one.

In the 74 appearances he made for the club, he produced 42 goal involvements, 32 goals and ten assists.

He was also a key member of Steven Gerrard's team that won the Teddy Bears' first league title since they rejoined Scotland's top flight.

A player like Dykes could certainly replicate some of that success.

According to WhoScored, the Scot averaged an impressive rating of 6.8 across his 35 starts for Queens Park Rangers last season, scoring eight goals and laying another two on for his teammates.

He should have scored more as well, with FBref putting his expected goals for last season at 12.6, suggesting that he was getting into good goal-scoring positions more often but suffering from bad luck.

He has also proven his ability to find the back of the net in the Scottish Premiership from his season with Livingston in the 2019/20 season when he produced an excellent 19 goal involvements, 11 goals and eight assists.

It was during his stint with the Lions that he drew the attention and praise of Gerrard, who claimed:

"They've got a forward in-form in Lyndon Dykes who's having a real good season, who is capable of playing in the air or on the floor, he's quite dangerous."

The 6 foot 2 marksman has also received plaudits from another Gers legend, Alan Hutton, who, in the aftermath of the club missing out on the "focal point" in 2020, said:

"I think he'd have been a great addition for the Rangers squad, definitely. He's proven it on a high stage now."

That "high stage" Hutton is talking about is international football, a place Dykes has thrived.

The Australian-born forward has already scored nine times in 29 appearances for Scotland and started all three games during the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, including their draw with England.

If Beale and co can convince Dykes to make their journey back north, there is no doubt that he would be able to replicate some of the successes of the retired Defoe; arriving as a player that is already well-known amongst the coaching staff.

Manchester United's potential takeover with the proposed Qatar-based bid from Sheikh Jassim is not believed to be as close as Middle Eastern reports have claimed.

However, there is a belief that there is a growing confidence among those in the Qatari party that they will secure the takeover.

What's the latest in Man United's potential takeover?

The summer transfer window is now open and the Glazer family remain at the helm of the Red Devils despite putting the club up for sale back in November.

Two parties remain at the front of the race to potentially take over at Old Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Qatari bid still keen to buy the club.

It has been reported the Qatari party have recently put forward a record-breaking bid for the Red Devils in what was claimed to be a 'take it or leave it' final offer.

However, in recent days, there have been some claims coming out of the Middle East suggesting Sheikh Jassim had been successful in landing the Premier League giants.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has claimed despite the notion of Qatar winning the race being incorrect, there is a growing confidence among the party:

"I was up into the early hours trying to get to the bottom of this. I was told not to get too excited yet. The Qataris, I think, are growing in confidence that they can strike a deal with the Glazer family, but at the moment, not much has changed.

"It still looks a two-horse race between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his partial takeover and the Qataris who're looking to buy the entirety of United."

How much has Sheikh Jassim bid for Man United?

According to the reports last week, Sheikh Jassim's fourth offer was worth in excess of £5bn and his fifth bid was an improved offer on the £5bn originally put forward to the Glazers.

However, it is also believed that the Americans are looking for an offer of no less than £6bn in order to see them sell up at Old Trafford.

The bid from Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not believed to match the 100% ownership that the Qatari party are said to be seeking and would, instead, see the Glazers able to remain with some power at the club.

But this will still likely come to the frustration of most United fans who will have wanted to see any potential takeover completed ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

For instance, Kylian Mbappe is believed to be available this summer for around €150m (£128m) this summer which could potentially appeal to United if they had the Qataris at the helm.

Of course, this would be an ambitious move considering Real Madrid are believed to be seriously interested in the France international.

However, with the backing of a group like the Qataris, it could potentially have been a possibility.

Instead, United remains in limbo as to where the club stands over the future of the Glazer family.

Tottenham Hotspur "will back" manager Ange Postecoglou this summer with the club, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, "ready" to battle for Leicester City star James Maddison.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs' long and drawn out search for a new manager is over as Postecoglou, after winning a domestic treble with Celtic, joins the Premier League side on a four-year contract.

The north Londoners have confirmed that he will commence work for the 2023/2024 season on July 1, replacing Antonio Conte who left Tottenham over two months ago.

“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said Levy upon his appointment."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

His appointment also marks the return of an attacking brand of football at Spurs, with the more dogmatic eras of Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho appearing to be a thing of the past.

Now, attention turns to the transfer market and how Tottenham can shore up Postecoglou's options in key positions. Levy is believed to be chasing central defenders and a new goalkeeper, especially after Spurs' poor defensive record over 2022/2023, which was actually the worst of any side above 15th.

However, the Lilywhites are also eyeing additions further forward, with both wingers and playmakers on Levy's agenda.

According to a report by The Daily Mirror and journalist John Cross, Spurs apparently "will back" their new manager in the transfer market this summer. What's more, Levy and co are "ready to rival" Newcastle United for Leicester's Maddison – who is expected to cost around £40 million.

Who is James Maddison?

The England international has been linked with a move to N17 in recent weeks, with some reports even suggesting they're in pole position to sign him.

Maddison was a key player for Leicester last season, standing out as their star man and averaging a higher match rating per 90 than any other Foxes star over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).

He also made more key passes per 90 and attempted a higher rate of shots per 90 than any other Leicester player last season, racking up an impressive 19 goal contributions (WhoScored).

With numbers like these, it's hardly a surprise Maddison has been called "magnificent" for his displays at the King Power.

Manchester United will be hoping to put their disappointing FA Cup final defeat in the rearview mirror as they head into the summer break following a solid debut campaign under Erik ten Hag.

Not only did the Dutchman win the Old Trafford side their first trophy since 2017, but has also guided them into the Champions League group stages, and with his first season behind him, he will be aiming to take the Red Devils to the next level during 2023/24.

To do this, however, he will have to add a few more fresh faces to the squad, while shipping out some deadwood. Given that he lured players such as Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro to United last summer, there will be a similar hope that signings of this stature could be made again.

They may well raid Real Madrid once more, as United have been linked with midfielder Federico Valverde according to reports in Spain, although president Florentino Perez has claimed that it will take an offer of around €80m (£69m) in order for negotiations to begin.

Could Federico Valverde improve Manchester United?

The 24-year-old Uruguayan is entering the prime years of his career and has enjoyed a wonderful period of success at Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown – ensuring that if he joined United, they would benefit from his winning mentality in the heart of the midfield.

Another reason why the midfielder could improve the Red Devils is his similarities to Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, who according to FBref, is the most comparable player to Valverde. Given the German's incredible career, in which he has won 13 major honours and become the beating heart of Pep Guardiola’s City juggernaut, it certainly isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, over the past year, Gundogan ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals, touches in the attacking penalty area and total shots per 90, while the Uruguayan ranks in the top 10% also for non-penalty goals and total shots, while dropping to the top 21% for touches in the opposition box per game, suggesting that the pair offer an excellent goal threat from the centre of midfield overall.

This is something United could benefit from as none of their central midfielders scored more than seven goals across all of last season. Valverde showcased his importance to Madrid by ranking as their third-best player in La Liga, fifth for goals and assists and sixth for key passes per game, with Gundogan offering a similar influence at City, ranking similarly highly for the same metrics, suggesting that Ten Hag could have a world-class operator as the fulcrum of his side should he sign him this summer.

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole hailed Valverde as “unbelievable” late last year, and having showcased his abilities at the Bernabeu, a move to Old Trafford surely wouldn’t faze the 24-year-old.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Moises Caicedo has been promised he can leave this summer with Arsenal still keen on a transfer.

What are the latest Arsenal transfer rumours?

With the Premier League season now all wrapped up, the 2022/23 campaign is completely finished for the Gunners and minds can now focus on preparations for the future.

Key midfielder Granit Xhaka is expected to be one of the first departures at the Emirates this summer and so a new midfielder or two will likely come in, with Declan Rice a key target.

As well as the West Ham captain, it's known that Arsenal had their eye on Brighton star Caicedo in the winter but failed with a £70m bid.

Since then, the midfielder has signed a new four-year contract reportedly worth £60k-p/w which could mean he's off the market.

However, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Roberto de Zerbi will let Caicedo go even though there is no release clause in his deal.

He explained (2:42): "For Caicedo, there is no release clause but Roberto De Zerbi promised him that when in January Arsenal approached Brighton with £60m and then a £70m second bid (add-ons included), he told the player: 'Stay here with us until the end of the season, and we will sell you in the summer'.

"This was the plan, this was promised to the player and so very respectful from Roberto De Zerbi."

Is there a release clause in Caicedo's contract?

It seems De Zerbi will be a man of his word as he all but accepted Caicedo and teammate Alexis Mac Allister will go this summer.

After Birghton's last game, he told BBC Sport: "I think that can be the last game of Alexis and Moises, I'm really sorry. They are two great people and two great players."

"The policy of Brighton is like this," added De Zerbi. "I think it's right they can leave, can change teams and play in a level higher.

"We are ready. We have to find others big players to play without Alexis and Moises."

However, the situation is more complicated with Caicedo, as Mac Allister has some detail in his contract which will allow him to go – though the details are unclear as to how exactly works as it's not a standard release clause.

But as Caicedo doesn't have that, it will be completely up to Brighton if they keep him this summer but after De Zerbi's promise, it sounds as though the door is open for Arsenal to make their move.