Transfer window predictions: Five players in demand this summer

- Real Madrid ready to step up Kane interest 
- Arsenal target Rice free to leave West Ham 
- Manchester United favourites to snap up Mount

The transfer window may not have officially opened in England and Scotland, but activity levels are picking up pace at home and further afield. 

Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed to move to Inter Miami, snubbing the chance to join Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia after the Frenchman’s shock switch from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad was confirmed this week.

Benzema’s compatriot N’Golo Kante will be joining him at Al-Ittihad after deciding to end his stay at Chelsea, while Real are understood to have tied up a deal for Borussia Dortmund and England ace Jude Bellingham,

Throw in Liverpool signing Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and there is plenty going on with the promise of more deals on the horizon. 

Kane earmarked as Benzema replacement

Benzema’s decision to swap Spain for Saudi Arabia has left Real Madrid in search of a new number nine and reports emanating from Madrid claim they have set their sights on Tottenham’s Harry Kane. 

Kane’s style of play would seem to make him an ideal replacement for Benzema and with just one year left on his contract, there is a possibility Spurs could sell this summer, rather than risk losing him for free in 2024. 

Real have shortened to 6/5 with LiveScore Bet to sign Kane now and believe they can get him for a cut-price figure. 

But Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is a tough negotiator and it is 1/1 he does not get the fee he is looking for and Kane remains in north London next season. 

Manchester United are a 5/1 chance to sign Kane but appear to have moved on to other targets and the Bernabeu looks the most likely destination if the 29-year-old leaves Tottenham this summer.

United moving Mount-ains to improve

One of those other targets Manchester United are preferring to focus on is Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount. 

Although the 24-year-old was giving little away when spotted on the grid ahead of last week’s Spanish Grand Prix and spoken to by Sky Sports, it has been reported he has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils. 

Mount has a year left on his contract with Chelsea, who need to shift players this summer in order to trim down their squad. 

And while the Blues are willing to let one of their academy products leave, they are asking for £70 million. 

Whether United are willing to match that price or not, they remain firm favourites to bring in Mount at 2/9 with LiveScore Bet, with Liverpool, who are looking for more midfield reinforcements despite signing Mac Allister, next in the market at 12/1. 

Hammers ready to sell Rice

English midfielders are high on several clubs' wishlists this summer with Arsenal eager to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice. 

And the Gunners have been cut to 1/4 with LiveScore Bet to take the 24-year-old to north London after the Hammers confirmed they are willing to let their prize asset leave. 

After Rice led West Ham to their first trophy in 43 years this week with victory in the Europa Conference League final, club chairman David Sullivan revealed the Irons are open to offers with Rice eager to move on. 

Maguire move a no-go

One player not looking to move on this summer is Harry Maguire with the England defender having reportedly decided he wants to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place. 

The Red Devils are looking to move on at least one of their current central defenders as they pursue a deal for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae and Maguire’s name had been top of the list. 

Tottenham (3/1) Aston Villa (7/2) and Newcastle (8/1) have been mentioned in connection with Maguire, but he is not willing to give up on his career at Old Trafford just yet and is 7/5 with LiveScore Bet to stay with United. 

Spurs step up Maddison interest

James Maddison has yet to make up his mind about where he will be plying his trade next season, but it looks unlikely to be Leicester as interest in him grows. 

Newcastle have been heavily linked with the 26-year-old and remain the 1/1 favourites with LiveScore Bet to sign him this summer. 

However, the Magpies may face fierce competition for Maddison’s signature from Tottenham, who are 5/2 to land him. 

New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is thought to be a big fan of Maddison and has asked the club to explore a deal.