Brentford join Chelsea and Spurs in £50m race as West Ham move for Euro 2024 star
The 3AddedMinutes take on the latest transfer talk across the Premier League and beyond.
WATFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Crysencio Summerville of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Leeds United at Vicarage Road on March 29, 2024 in Watford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Leeds United’s failure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League has left the beaten Championship play-off finalists at risk of losing several key players.
Although the likes of goalkeeper Illan Meslier and forward duo Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto are all said to be attracting attention from potential suitors, it is youngster Archie Gray who is reportedly high on the wish list of several clubs across the Premier League and Europe. The Whites academy product only established himself as a regular feature in Daniel Farke’s side last season after making a full senior debut in a home draw against Cardiff City on the opening day of the campaign.
That would be the first of 52 appearances in all competitions and Gray’s progression was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the England Under-21 squad in March as the youngster marked his first cap with a goal in a 5-1 demolition of Azerbaijan. Gray’s performance for club and country have led to serious interest from the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig - and the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has now reported Brentford are the latest club to show an interest in the Whites star.
TOPSHOT - Georgia's forward #22 Georges Mikautadze celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group F football match between Georgia and the Czech Republic at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on June 22, 2024. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
The 3AM Verdict: “It is no surprise to see Gray attracting high-profile interest given the consistently high performances he produced in the Championship last season. His ability to play in a number of positions and room for further improvement means he will command a significant fee should he be allowed to depart Elland Road this summer.”
Hammers look to move for Euro 2024 star
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Gary O'Neil, Manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, celebrates victory in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Luton Town at Molineux on April 27, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
There is always danger is completing the signing of a player that has starred at a major tournament - but that has not prevented West Ham United pursuing a deal for one player impressing at Euro 2024.
Georgia have provided one of the stories of the tournament after coming through the group stages to set up a last 16 clash with Spain. The performances of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili have reportedly captured the attention of several clubs across Europe - but it is striker Georges Mikautadze that is said to be at the heart of a big money move from the Hammers. The 23-year-old is currently contracted to Dutch giants Ajax but spent the second half of last season on loan at Ligue 1 club Metz and will join them on a permanent basis next week. He scored 14 goals in 22 appearances during his temporary stint with Les Grenats and has taken that momentum into Euro 2024 by scoring three goals in as many games.
A report from French outlet Le10Sport has now claimed Mikautadze is a main target for West Ham, who are set to make an offer ‘much higher than the €20m fee Metz were hoping to receive for the in-form striker. The report also reveals Lyon are preparing to ‘enter the dance’ to sign the Georgian and suggested Lens and Monaco are also monitoring the situation.
The 3AM Verdict: “The form of Mikautadze has been one of the real highlights of Euro 2024 so far and his goalscoring exploits have seen him outshine several of European football’s best strikers. There is no surprise there is major interest in his services and his form in Germany and Metz’s relegation into Ligue 2 surely means a move away from the French club is a genuine possibility.”
Wolves set to pounce for £25m striker
Wolverhampton Wanderers are rapidly closing in on the signing of a new striker after agreeing a reported season-long loan deal with Celta Vigo for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The 14-times Norway international plundered his way to 13 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit last season and that peaked interest from Wolves earlier this month. That has now progressed into a bid and the 24-year-old is now set to undergo a medical according to the Shropshire Star. The report claims the striker will spend next season on loan at Molineux and will trigger a £25m permanent move if he makes a set number of appearances for Gary O’Neil’s side.
A striker is said to have been O’Neil’s ‘top priority’ during the summer transfer window and he will form part of a double swoop as Wolves prepare to complete the £8.5m addition of Brazilian youngster Pedro Lima. The right-back will join from Sport Recife and has already agreed a five-year deal with Wolves prior to completing a medical.
The 3AM Verdict: “Wolves unquestionably performed above expectations last season after being suggested as relegation candidates. However, if there was one area that required some improvement it would be in the attacking third. A move for Larsen still feels like a risk but his performances in a Celta side that spent most of last season battling relegation should give some hope to Wolves fans.”