Transfer Talk: Hammers cooking up Goretzka deal as Rice replacement

West Ham are targeting Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a replacement for Declan Rice, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Hammers finally agreed a deal with Arsenal to make Rice the most expensive English transfer in Premier League history and must now reinforce their engine room if they are to build on their Europa Conference League triumph from last season.

And Goretzka would be an excellent addition if they can pull a move off.

The German maestro has fallen out of favour in Munich since Thomas Tuchel took charge and the former Chelsea boss could look to ship him out of the club to free up funds.

Goretzka featured 27 times in the Bundesliga last term but only played 90 minutes once in the final three months of the season.

And while David Moyes may be keen to bring the 28-year-old to London, it could prove a tough task with the Champions League winner said to be keen on staying in Bavaria.

His contract does not expire until 2026, putting the power in the hands of the 53-cap international who may not want to make the step down from the German giants.

Wages are likely to be another issue for the Hammers. Goretzka reportedly earns over £200,000 a week and would become the club's highest-paid player by some way if he were to move.

In other news

Chelsea are set to return with an improved offer of over £70m for Brighton star Moises Caicedo in the coming days, says the Evening Standard.

The Telegraph report that Manchester United are ready to step up their pursuit of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

According to The Athletic, Inter Milan will make an offer worth over £30m for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, who the Gunners value at closer to £50m.