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Pete O'Rourke column: West Ham in three-way Lingard race, Tottenham star's deal to be terminated, Everton reject Gray bid
Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.
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WEST HAM
The Irons are considering offering Jesse Lingard a short-term contract after he has impressed during training.
He remains a free agent following his Nottingham Forest exit and is therefore able to join the club outside the transfer window.
However, West Ham are set to face competition from Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce for his signature, I’m told.
If David Moyes’ side don’t come forward with an offer, sources say Lingard is sure to have other options on the table for him in Turkey.
Meanwhile, West Ham are now set to turn attentions to contract renewals following a successful transfer window.
Pablo Fornals, Thomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal all currently have less than 12 months to run on their respective deals at the London Stadium.
I’m told Saudi Pro League sides have an interest in Fornals with their transfer window not set to close until Thursday (7 September).
Initial talks have already been held with Coufal about extending his stay, but I’m told all three players will now start sitting down with the West Ham hierarchy about potential renewals.
The trio, as it stands, can discuss pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from 1 January.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN UNITED
My understanding is that United were very keen on signing Fulham star Joao Palhinha during the summer window.
I’m told the Portugal international was the number one defensive midfield target for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Eventually, the Red Devils were forced to turn their attention to a loan-to-buy deal for Sofyan Amrabat.
I’m told they didn’t have the budget to do a deal for Palhinha, who saw a move to Bayern Munich fail late on deadline day (1 September).
Ten Hag is a big fan of the midfielder and would have loved to bring him to Old Trafford, but the club are unlikely to revisit the situation in January with Amrabat coming in.
However, significant player sales in the winter window could make a return for Palhinha possible – even with Bayern keen to go back in for the Fulham star at the next opportunity.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
EVERTON
My understanding is that the Toffees rejected a £7.5million bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq on deadline day (1 September).
The bid was turned down as the Merseysiders didn’t have adequate time to land a replacement.
Nevertheless, Steven Gerrard’s Saudi outfit continue to monitor the situation with their transfer window not set to close until Thursday (7 September).
Gray is yet to feature for Everton this season and has recently taken aim at manager Sean Dyche on Instagram.
The Toffees lost attacking stars Alex Iwobi, Tom Cannon and Neal Maupay on deadline day with the club needing to raise funds for Financial Fair Play reasons.
Dyche’s squad looks particularly threadbare in some areas, and the club’s recruitment team are keen to make use of the free-agent market.
I’m told they are analysing potential incomings with the current squad still struggling for goals and yet to record a league win this season.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE EVERTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
TOTTENHAM
I’m told Hugo Lloris will not be reintegrated at Spurs after seeing a late move to boyhood club Nice collapse.
He is third choice for Ange Postecoglou’s side just months on from playing in the World Cup final for France.
Sources say he will have options in Saudi Arabia and Turkey with their windows still open.
It’s possible Tottenham will even agree to terminate Lloris’ contract to allow clubs more time to agree a deal with the 36-year-old.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Turkey after late-window interest from Fulham and Atletico Madrid failed to materialise into a full agreement.
He was not keen to join Fulham, while Atleti only came in with a loan offer for his services.
I’m told Spurs prefer to receive a fee for the ex-Southampton man.
Postecoglou’s side have now closed the door to an out-of-window exit for the midfielder as they didn’t manage to add another midfield signing of their own.
Sources say Hojbjerg is likely to have to wait until January to get his move away from the club.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
FULHAM
An exit for defender Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to be revisited in January, I’m told.
Sources say he has burnt his bridges at Fulham and is likely to find it hard to be reintegrated into the squad.
He was training alone until recently and has made just one substitute appearance so far this season.
Monaco and Tottenham were both interested in the summer window but an agreement didn’t materalise.
However, with less than 12 months remaining on his deal, Adarabioyo can discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides on 1 January.
I’m told Spurs could even agree a cut-price fee with Fulham for a player who could walk away for free just months later.
The Lilywhites have already managed to get Davinson Sanchez off the books to Turkey, while Eric Dier is also out of contract in 2024.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE FULHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS