Rumour reel: West Ham finally get Arnautovic

East Londoners have enjoyed a busy week

Liverpool have freed up a bit of space in their midfield by flogging Lucas to Lazio. The 30-year-old, who was the longest-serving member of The Reds squad, moved to the Serie A giants in a £5m deal, and that’ll go down as a decent bit of business, with the English side paying the same amount for him back in 2007.

Thanking fans for their support over the years before packing his bags, the man who turned out 345 times for the side said it was an honour to play for the club, and it was his intention to finish his career there, but a lack of games forced his hand. He’ll go with the best wishes of everyone connected to Anfield. Let’s see what else is newsworthy on Wednesday.

Hammers continue to build

West Ham swooped to sign Joe Hart on Tuesday, getting the England keeper in on a season-long loan. The 30-year-old, who was told he wasn’t part of City’s plans for the coming season, will be delighted to get some much-needed game time in the run up to next year’s World Cup, with his parent club believed to be paying part of his wages. In return, West Ham get a goalkeeper of the highest quality, without putting a dent in their transfer budget. That shrewd piece of business freed up cash to finally get the Marko Arnautovic deal over the line. The Hammers had a couple of previous bids for the 28-year-old rejected by Stoke, but £24m seems to work for both parties. Arnautovic scored seven goals last season for The Potters, Stratford regulars will demand more.