Liverpool plot summer swoop for ‘next Kylian Mbappe’, major update on Celtic sacking Brendan Rodgers

Fri 23 February 2024 21:00, UK

Big news from Liverpool, Celtic, Everton, Newcastle United, Tottenham, Man United – and more!

Welcome to the latest edition of my twice-weekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

Follow Football Insider on Twitter to see the latest news as it breaks!

Tottenham and Newcastle eye bargain deal for Everton ace Garner

My understanding is that Spurs and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Everton midfielder James Garner ahead of the summer window.

He’s had an impressive season for the Merseysiders so far this season and has been instrumental in their fight against relegation.

I’m told he ticks a lot of boxes for both sides, who are keen to add midfield reinforcements and are targeting players under the age of 24.

Garner can play in a few positions and is an attractive proposition for top Premier League sides.

Sources say Everton are set to face a real battle to keep him – especially if they are relegated to the Championship.

Liverpool compile Luis Guilherme dossier – they’re plotting summer move

I’m told the 18-year-old Palmeiras winger is emerging as a top target for Liverpool.

The Reds considered a January move but eventually decided against it – and now want to land him this summer.

Liverpool see the youngster – who has clocked astonishing sprints at 36.4km/h, a similar speed to superstar Kylian Mbappe – as a top target.

He has attracted a lot of other interest from top European sides, but the Merseysiders see Guilherme as someone who could come in and have a major impact despite his age.

The Brazil Under-20 international is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the world.

Liverpool have compiled a huge dossier on his talents and are hoping they lead the race to land him this summer.

Celtic to sack ‘unhappy’ Brendan Rodgers?

I’m told Celtic will not make any knee-jerk reactions on sacking Rodgers despite their collapse in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Rangers are now in the box seat to win the title with two Old Firm games remaining this season.

An inquest is underway at Celtic Park after their recent form, but no movement is likely until Rodgers’ role until the end of the season.

Rodgers will face questions if they do miss out on the title, but he has been unhappy with the transfer backing he has received since returning to the role.

I’m told he’s hoping for more money to be made available if he stays in the role into next season.

Newcastle set to reach Dan Ashworth compromise with Man United

Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave after agreeing a move to Man United.

They are now in talks with Newcastle to thrash out a deal to bring him to Old Trafford, but the Magpies are not willing to let him go on the cheap.

Ashworth is under contract at St James’ Park until June 2026.

Man United are keen to agree a compromise – they won’t pay the widely reported demand of £20million for the transfer guru.

I’m told the clubs are likely to meet in the middle and get this deal done – but negotiations are likely to drag on.

Arsenal and Aston Villa in Oscar Gloukh race

Premier League clubs are aware of Gloukh’s talents and are monitoring his situation at Red Bull Salzburg, I’m told.

Aston Villa are very keen and maintain an interest after considering a move for the 19-year-old last year (2023).

Arsenal have now entered the race by sending scouts to Austria to watch him in action – and are keeping tabs on the Israel international.

Villa and the Gunners are now the two leading candidates to land him this summer but other Premier League and European sides hold a background interest.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Marcus Rashford plan revealed

Rashford has been linked with PSG once again following the news that Kylian Mbappe is set to join Real Madrid this summer.

However, I’m told INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team are hoping to keep him at Man United as the new regime gets into full swing.

That is despite discontent about his off-field problems this term and fan criticism of his on-pitch performances.

Last season’s heroics and 30-goal haul are fresh in the memories of club chiefs who know what he’s capable of when on top form.

I’m told Rashford is not currently at the top of the list for PSG – who will first pursue deals for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

In any case, Man United will give no indication that they are open to selling Rashford.

Sunderland resigned to losing Jack Clarke as West Ham and Crystal Palace swoop

Sunderland don’t look set to mount a serious promotion bid this season and that will leave them vulnerable to losing Clarke in the summer window.

Lazio saw a £14million bid rejected in January, while Premier League clubs are set to act on their long-term interest.

West Ham and Crystal Palace are keen, while Southampton could swoop if they are promoted this term.

I’m told Sunderland will face a huge battle to keep the winger – and are now resigning themselves to a potential exit.

£20million could be enough to land the ex-Leeds star, I’m told, with the Englishman having two years left on his contract in June.

Sources say the player is hoping Sunderland won’t stand in the way of a return to the Premier League.