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West Ham United defender Winston Reid will be offered a new contract at the end of the season, according to The Sun.

What’s the word?

The New Zealand international still has four years left on his current deal, but it is believed that manager Slaven Bilic wants to reward him.

Reid has been with the Hammers for the past seven years since joining from Midtjylland and he has emerged as a key central defender.

The Sun reports that the East London outfit are prepared to give Reid £70,000 a week, which matches the wages given to January signing Jose Fonte.

The publication adds that his current £15m release clause will be increased to £20m in an attempt to warn off any suitors.

Is it deserved?

In a word, yes. Reid has been a reliable and solid defender for the Hammers for a number of years.

Fonte’s arrival has only improved the New Zealander’s form and it makes perfect sense for him to be offered a salary boost and an extended deal.

It has not been the most enjoyable of seasons for the Hammers since moving to the London Stadium.

The team picked up just one Premier League victory in the first two months of the season, and have only claimed a further eight wins in 29 fixtures.

Bilic’s men currently sit 12th in the table, and even though they have let 52 goals ship past them, Reid has been a leader at the back.

The centre-back is currently sidelined with an injury, joining Michail Antonio, Pedro Obiang and Diafra Sakho on the treatment table.

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Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has not so subtly hinted he’d like to play under Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and play in the Premier League.

The Blues boss signed the Spain forward for Juventus in summer 2014 but never actually got the chance to work with him, having accepted the Italy job just a matter of weeks after his switch from the Bernabeu to Turin.

A reunion at Stamford Bridge has often been mooted in the media, with Spanish outlet Diario Gol (somewhat dubiously) reporting on a €40million offer from the Premier League’s pace-setters last month.

In an interview with The Guardian, Morata constantly heaped praise on Conte, discussed his interest in testing himself in the Premier League and moving to London.

Indeed, much of what Morata said hinted at a genuine interest in plying his trade for Chelsea, or at the very least Conte, which has inevitably lead to quite the debate on social media. Here’s a look at how Blues fans on Twitter reacted to Morata’s comments…

Moussa Sissoko might well be the most frustrating player in the Premier League. With infrequent 90 minute periods of brilliance for Newcastle United separated by months of poor performances, the Frenchman was a regular starter and dominant member of the France squad that made it to the European Championship final last summer.

What followed was a summer of whispers about his future, with Newcastle fans sick of him and other clubs tiptoeing around with the hope of picking up a bargain. Everton were linked, but it was eventually Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham who thought they could take those moments of brilliance and convert him into a regular achiever at the top of the Premier League. The fee was around £30 million, which will have had Mike Ashley and Rafael Benitez chuckling and Spurs fans cringing.

Sissoko has quickly become a similar figure of mockery at White Hart Lane. Joining a worryingly long line of underwhelming additions in recent years, he was meant to add pace, width and power to Spurs’ often narrow attack. His performances, however, have been indifferent this season (yes, that’s putting it a bit kindly) though it has not halted Spurs’ season.

Their biggest addition of the window has been a disappointment, but Spurs have still managed to make an FA Cup semi-final and will be competing for the league title well into May. Champions League and Europa League shortfalls could have been assisted by their ‘depth’ players being of more use, but really they have done rather well this season considering their poor summer of 2016.

The main reason for Sissoko being nothing more than an inconvenience has been a summer signing from 2015: Heung-Min Son. The former Bayer Leverkusen man has enjoyed a wonderful campaign, filling in for Harry Kane at times and enabling Pochettino to play a 4-2-3-1 even with Erik Lamela injured for the majority of the season.

Son’s goals are the real key, but his overall performances are what really sticks in the mind. That said, 12 Premier League goals have been welcome in the absence of Kane and a couple of stellar FA Cup displays carried Spurs to Wembley. The South Korean is not only a versatile member of Pochettino’s squad, his smart movement, acceleration and eye for goal have added something to this Spurs team that was at times lacking last season.

Where Sissoko was meant to be an extra string to Spurs’ already dangerous bow, Son has stepped up. Sissoko’s failings have only been a frustration rather than a direct detriment to the Lilywhites’ season, as they would have been if Son had been injured or less effective.

Had this season been less impressive, questions would – yet again – be asked of Spurs’ transfer policy. The Sissoko deal did not make sense at the time, nor does it now, but Son’s performances have – in the short-term – covered up an issue that could have undermined the whole season.

The time for discussion about Sissoko’s future will come, though Spurs should be thankful for Son’s impact to keep it on the back burner for now.

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According to reports in The Times, Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is said to be insisting a release clause is included in a new contract if he is to commit his future to the club.

What’s the word, then?

Well, having established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and helping Spurs have the best defence in the top flight this season, the north London club are keen to tie the Belgian down to a new contract.

However, the 28-year-old has twice rejected new terms because of a disagreement over a release clause and there have been no talks in recent times between Daniel Levy and Alderweireld’s representative, something which will concern manager Mauricio Pochettino.

How much would the release clause be?

Tottenham have the option to extend the Belgium international’s deal by another year from 2019 but if they do, Alderweireld has the right to insert a clause that would allow him to go if another team offered £25.3m for his services – an idea he is keen on as he knows he could more than double his current £53,000-a-week wages if he moved on to pastures new.

Are any clubs targeting him?

Manchester City – who are also targeting Spurs teammates Kyle Walker and Danny Rose this summer – are said to be one of the clubs showing an interest as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his defence, while Serie A giants Inter Milan are also understood to have thrown their hat into the ring.

Why is it vital Tottenham keep him?

Because he is, arguably, the best centre-back in the league.

A brilliant defender, comfortable on the ball and able to play accurate, forward passes, Alderweireld is in his prime and he has formed a formidable partnership alongside Belgian teammate Jan Vertonghen at the heart of the defence.

If Spurs want to be regular Premier League title contenders, they must do everything to keep hold of him.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, from Tottenham’s side it’s simple and they must offer him a wage that he will be happy with and one that doesn’t include a release clause, but if it is something the player demands then they may have to go with it, or risk breaking apart a defence that has been so reliable over the course of the last two seasons.

West Ham United fans were full of praise for Manuel Lanzini after the attacking midfielder scored the winning goal in their morale-boosting 1-0 win against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at a rejuvenated London Stadium on Friday night.

The Irons went into the game knowing that not only could they guarantee their spot in the Premier League next season with a victory, but that they could also all but end Spurs’ chances of winning the Premier League title.

The Argentine star’s scrappy second half goal accomplished both of those missions and proved to be the difference between the two teams as the Hammers moved into the top half of the table, with their opponents from the capital looking set to lose out to Chelsea for the prestigious trophy.

West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the performance of the 24-year-old via social media, with many believing that he is the heartbeat of the team after another amazing performance.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Chelsea have joined the chase for Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kyle Walker, reports The Mirror.

What’s the story?

It is becoming increasingly apparent that Walker is a big target for the elite clubs in the Premier League.

Manchester City and Manchester United have been touted as potential suitors, and now The Mirror claim that the English champions are interested in the £40m-rated star.

The publication states that the Blues are keen to provide extra quality to the right side of the pitch so that the pressure of juggling domestic matters and Europe does not fall solely on Victor Moses.

It is believed that neither Chelsea nor Man City have contacted Spurs about Walker, but both clubs know that they will not get anywhere if they offer a figure lower than Spurs’ valuation.

Which club is a better fit for Walker?

If the England international is set on leaving Tottenham after he was left out of games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, then it seems that he will have very strong options to choose from.

He would be given a chance to prove himself at Stamford Bridge under manager Antonio Conte, but it would be tough to dislodge Moses from the wing-back role.

In addition, even though Arsenal are Tottenham’s arch rivals, Walker joining another London club would not go down well with the Spurs faithful.

At City, he would have more of an opportunity to cement himself in Pep Guardiola’s first team given that Pablo Zabaleta is leaving at the end of the season.

Both clubs would be able to provide Walker with a significant bump on his current £70,000-a-week wage at Tottenham.

According to reports from German media outlet Sportbild, West Ham United are one of five Premier League clubs tracking Werder Bremen striker Max Kruse this summer.

The Irons, along with Everton, Southampton, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, are said to be interested in bringing the 29-year-old to England following an impressive goalscoring campaign in the Bundesliga, with his team finishing in eighth position.

With Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho once again missing large chunks of the season through injury, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic will likely be looking to sign at least one new striker – and probably more – over the course of the next few weeks.

The east London outfit have already been linked with the likes of Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi this summer, but the Croatian may see the Germany international as an interesting alternative.

Here are three reasons West Ham must win the race to sign Kruse…

They need goals

With Michail Antonio being the club’s top goalscorer in the Premier League after netting nine times this season despite playing a portion of the campaign at right-back and right wing-back, and attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini next up with eight, it is clear that West Ham need a goalscoring striker this summer.

While Andy Carroll bagged eight goals, the Irons seemingly can’t rely on him and Sakho to stay fit and having scored 15 times in just 23 Bundesliga appearances for Werder Bremen last term, Kruse could be the answer.

He isn’t injury-prone

While he did miss the opening 10 league games of last season because of injury – not that it mattered as he bounced back by scoring 15 goals on his return – Kruse has otherwise had few problems during his career to date.

The 29-year-old had been absent for just four games in the previous four Bundesliga seasons and that is certainly something that will impress Irons boss Slaven Bilic as he looks to find a striker he can rely on over the summer.

Price tag

Werder Bremen may have to sell Kruse this summer if they receive an offer of £10.5million due to a release clause in his contract.

Considering Iheanacho and Batshuayi would likely set them back more as two of the most exciting young strikers in the Premier League, the Irons may see a £10.5million deal as more of an attractive proposition given the 5 foot 11 forward’s recent impressive goalscoring record.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.

Liverpool were forced into a rather awkward corner by regular business associates Southampton this week when the south coast club supposedly  moved to report the Merseysiders to the Premier League over an illegal approach for captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds are alleged to have spoken to the Dutch international regarding a move to Anfield without lodging a formal bid with the Saints.

Despite being injured for almost half of the season the 25-year-old was awarded the captain’s armband in the wake of Jose Fonte’s move to West Ham and is now commanding a fee of around £60m.

Speaking on the saga, Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier, who scored 210 goals for the Saints, told TalkSport:

“I remember the days when Liverpool used to be quite classy in transfer negotiations.

“There have been no bids for Virgil this summer, and until a bid has been accepted you shouldn’t be talking to the player.”

Le God, as the former No.7 is known by fans on the south coast, also claimed that his beloved club have no interest in selling the former Celtic man, who put pen to paper on a six-year-deal last season.

According to reports in the Daily Mirror, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is said to be lining up a £15m summer move for Celtic defender Kieran Tierney.

The Portuguese boss is looking for a new left-back with the future of Luke Shaw in doubt, and he has been impressed with the performances of the 20-year-old north of the border, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Scotland international has established himself as the first-choice in his position for the Bhoys and he made 40 appearances in all competitions for Brendan Rodgers’ men last term – it would have been even more if he didn’t rupture his cruciate ligament midway through the campaign.

In those outings he impressed with his abilities at both ends of the pitch, scoring twice and providing an impressive 12 assists.

Man United supporters were quick to have their say on the rumour via social media, and while some believe he is young player with great potential who would be a “bargain” at £15m, others do not want him at Old Traffrod.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

The majority of Arsenal fans have given up hope of holding onto Alexis Sanchez after the star’s latest comments.

While with the Chile international team ahead of the Confederations Cup final against Germany, the 28-year-old spoke to the media.

He was one of the players chosen to represent his national team at a press conference in St Petersburg.

As expected, the reporters in the room were keen to learn more about his future at Arsenal, and his response has opened the door to various scenarios.

A recent report in The Guardian claimed that Manchester City are confident of landing Sanchez this summer in what could be a £50m transfer.

In today’s press conference, the former Barcelona attacker did little to quieten the rumours.

Sky Sports reporter Bryan Swanson tweeted a brief transcript of the questioning.

Arsenal fans have now had their say on Twitter, with many convinced that Sanchez has made up his mind to leave, and others are now ready to see him go.