I have a feeling this is our transfer to lose, and we are the ones leading this race on a few fronts.

• Rice is probably looking to be the man, and at Arsenal he would the man in the midfield, where as at Man City he would be just another cog in a team of superstars.

• Others have shown interest, and then disappear. Assuming it’s an issue with price and most teams aren’t willing to meet West Ham expectations, while we are the only ones willing to entertain them.

• IF someone else was interested they better move fast, as they should be worried about being so far behind us.

• Young English core may be what’s needed to help sway him our way. Saka, White, Ramsdale probably always putting in a good word should go a long way.

• Business people always trying to get a deal and both sides want to win. Naturally it’s a long process with lots of back and forth and its just a matter of when, not if IMO.