Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Declan Rice's performances for England at the World Cup, and will prepare a move for the West Ham midfielder if they feel he handles the pressure of the big stage.
Rice, 23, played in all seven games for England in their run to the Euro 2020 final, and he has played in every minute of West Ham's 15 fixtures this Premier League season.
The defensive midfielder is a favourite of manager David Moyes, who declared in April that his price had risen to such an extent that "£150m just now would be minimum" – but his contract situation could force the club's hand.
TOP STORY – LIVERPOOL WATCHING IF RICE CAN RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
According to Football Insider, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a "huge admirer" of the man with 35 international caps already under his belt, but he still wants to see more.
The report claims Liverpool will be paying attention to "how Rice copes with the type of scrutiny and huge-game pressure he does not get at West Ham, who do not compete in the Champions League or challenge for trophies".
Rice's contract ties him to the club until 2024, although there is a club-option to extend the contract for an extra year.
He turned down a bumper new deal earlier this year that would have paid him £200,000 per week, indicating this will likely be his last contract with West Ham, and that factor will drive his price down the longer the club waits.
ROUND-UP
- Sport are reporting Manchester City are close to locking up Pep Guardiola on a new contract through 2025.
- According to 90min, Tottenham are eyeing Everton's Jordan Pickford, Brentford's David Raya and Brighton's Robert Sanchez as potential replacements for 35-year-old club captain Hugo Lloris.
- Chelsea's Christian Pulisic will likely be headed to the Serie A, per Fichajes, with Inter and Juventus said to be competing for his signature in January.
- AS are reporting Atletico Madrid will loan out Joao Felix in January after a lack of transfer interest.
- Newcastle United will make another run at 21-year-old Watford forward Joao Pedro, according to Football Insider, after having a £30m offer rejected before the season.
Odegaard questions lack of penalty after controversial Rodri challenge
Martin Odegaard is "pretty sure" he should have won a penalty for Norway against Spain after a fierce challenge from Rodri.
The Norway captain was wiped out inside the area by the Spain midfielder in an incident that sparked debate regarding the ongoing battle for the Premier League title.
There would have undoubtedly been winces at Arsenal having seen the Manchester City man clatter into their skipper, with the two sides going toe-to-toe to finish top of the league this season.
Despite the heavy challenge, no foul was awarded and that left Odegaard confused, though he stopped short of questioning the officials due to concern he would be issued with sanctions.
"I'm pretty sure I should have had a penalty. He's coming with his studs right on my ankle. But I'm sure I'll get punished [if I say any more]," he told TV2.
"I don't bother saying anything else about the referee. It's better not to say anything."
While Odegaard held back in his assessment, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken did not hold back on an incident he felt could have changed the course of the game.
"It is a clear penalty. He finishes the shot and you can't [foul him after]," he said.
"If I knock someone down after the ball is gone, then it's a penalty. I get a little bored of this.
"What I see here now [on the replay] is exactly what I saw from the bench. There was a bit of arrogance going on. That’s the way it is, but it's unbelievable."
Elanga 'frustrated' with lack of Man Utd action but not dwelling on potential Barca move
Anthony Elanga has expressed his frustration over a lack of playing time with Manchester United and suggested he could have joined Barcelona in January.
The Sweden winger has made only seven starts for the Red Devils this season, while he has been introduced as a substitute on 17 occasions.
Elanga was linked with the likes of LaLiga leaders Barca and Premier League strugglers Everton during the last transfer window, but a move did not materialise.
Asked about a potential switch to Camp Nou at the start of the year, he told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet: "That was in January, I can't focus on that now.
"The best thing I can do is focus on the rest of the season and then I will get to talk to the club.
"I love the club, but it's important for me to play. I'm still young. We have spoken to the club and they know what is required and I know what is required."
The 20-year-old hopes United boss Erik ten Hag gives him more opportunities and is determined to take his chances when they come along.
He added: "It is frustrating. You want to play, it's important. But whether you play or not, it's up to the coach not me. I have spoken to Erik [ten Hag] and it is private between the two of us. I know what he wants me to do and I just keep training hard.
"When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it. We have a lot of conversations, not only about [his lack of opportunities] but also what is happening around. That's the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot."
Rumour Has It: Four-way tussle for Chelsea's Kovacic
Thomas Tuchel's arrival at Bayern Munich has already resulted in fresh transfer links with the Bundesliga giants.
One player said to be of interest to Bayern's new boss is one of his former Chelsea regulars.
However, Bayern could face competition from several Premier League clubs.
TOP STORY - FOUR-WAY TUSSLE FOR KOVACIC
Mateo Kovacic is said to be attracting interest from Bayern, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Calciomercato report that Bayern's new boss Tuchel, who replaced Julian Nagelsmann in a shock move on Friday, wants to bring in the Croatia international, who he coached at Chelsea.
However, according to 90min, Liverpool, City and United are also monitoring the situation, with Kovacic heading into the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
ROUND UP
- According to Calciomercato, Bayern could also look to sign Edouard Mendy from Chelsea.
- Fabrizio Romano has claimed Newcastle United are keen on signing Scott McTominay.
- Romano also says that Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in Southampton's Romeo Lavia.
- GiveMeSport's Dean Jones reports that Tottenham will look to sound out ex-Bayern boss Nagelsmann should they sack Antonio Conte.
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