Liverpool suffer major Xabi Alonso blow as ‘huge’ news emerges – Exclusive

Thu 29 February 2024 21:00, UK

Big news from Liverpool, Celtic, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, Leeds 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.

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Liverpool facing ‘huge obstacles’ in Alonso appointment

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has been the leading candidate for the Liverpool job since Jurgen Klopp announced his departure last month.

The Spaniard has done a great job at Leverkusen and is on course to win a potential treble with them this season.

My understanding tonight is that Alonso and his family are settled in Germany and Liverpool are still doing their homework on several candidates.

I’m told the former Red could be interested in the job but has major reservations about replacing a legendary figure like Klopp at Anfield.

Major update on Chelsea sacking Pochettino after cup final disappointment

Mauricio Pochettino is set to see out at least the rest of the 2023-24 campaign despite the League Cup final disappointment on Sunday (25 February).

I’m told there is unlikely to be a knee-jerk reaction from the Chelsea board.

He was brought into the club as a long-term project and Todd Boehly has already sacked two managers in his short reign – the ownership are now willing to give Pochettino time.

No rash decisions on his future are likely – but they are set to review his progress in the summer.

Chelsea have new Osimhen ‘concerns’ – they could now miss out

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been a top target at Stamford Bridge for some time now.

The Blues are keen to bring him in this summer to solve their ongoing goalscoring problems.

He’s a top target for the Londoners but the concern at the club is that they could miss out due to their lack of Champions League football.

They are 17 points adrift of the Premier League’s top four clubs.

Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Osimhen as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe and will be able to offer him Champions League football.

Osimhen is likely to leave Napoli this summer and Chelsea are willing to spend big to get him – but are wary their lack of European football could be a factor.

Son makes decision on sealing ‘huge’ Tottenham exit this summer

Saudi Pro League clubs have been widely linked with Spurs forward Heung-min Son, who is out of contract in 2025.

He turns 32 in July, but I’m told Tottenham won’t entertain any offers – even with his contract situation.

Sources say the player is happy in the Premier League and still feels he is at the peak of his career.

Spurs will look to sit down formally with Son in the summer about a new deal – but informal discussions are already taking place and the signs are good.

Son is happy at the club and all parties are confident a new deal will be agreed.

Major update on Zouma quitting West Ham as Moyes plan revealed

West Ham defender Kurt Zouma is another top Premier League star out of contract in 2025 and is also being targeted by the Saudi Pro League.

He’s the club captain and is a key man under David Moyes – but the Scot’s contract is up at the end of this season.

I’m told Zouma’s future at West Ham could hinge on Moyes renewing his deal at the London Stadium.

Moyes is keen to keep the Frenchman at the club unless the offer from Saudi Arabia is too good to turn down.

Sources say his centre-back partner, Nayef Aguerd, is much more likely to move on if Saudi interest in him re-materialises.

Leeds could have £100m transfer warchest this summer

Leeds United can boost their summer budget massively by achieving automatic promotion back to the Premier League this season.

The Whites could have a figure of around £75-100million to play with if they do secure a top-two finish in the Championship.

Players will be due wage increases and new contracts if they do achieve that feat, but Leeds will nonetheless be in a strong position to spend big if they return to the top flight.

That budget could be increased even further if those out on loan – the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, Rasmus Kristensen, etc – are sold permanently.

Chelsea plot Ramsdale move – they want new number one goalkeeper

Chelsea are eyeing a potential move for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale once again ahead of the summer window.

The 25-year-old is seen as a good option by the Blues – with manager Mauricio Pochettino keen to add an undisputed new number one to his squad.

I’m told Ramsdale wants to move in the summer window with David Raya coming in to replace him last summer (2023).

Raya is the number one in Mikel Arteta’s plans and therefore the England international is keen to exit – despite only signing a new contract at Arsenal last May.

Sources say multiple clubs in the Premier League and in Europe will join Chelsea in the race for his signature.

Idah keen to seal permanent Celtic switch after red-hot start

I’m told Norwich striker Adam Idah would be keen on a potential permanent Celtic switch.

He has scored five goals in his first five Scottish Premiership games since joining the Hoops on loan in early February.

The Republic of Ireland international is under contract with Norwich until June 2028 but would be keen to join Celtic this summer.

I’m told the potential to play Champions League football at Parkhead is a big draw for the 23-year-old.

Club chiefs have been impressed with his red-hot start and vital goals so far – but are wary that Norwich would demand a big-money fee if they are to sanction a permanent exit.

Liverpool set £20m Kelleher asking price after recent heroics

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been linked with Celtic and I’m told they would love to sign him.

However, it is likely to be a difficult deal to do with his stock rising significantly after his recent heroics for the Reds.

He’s getting a run in the Liverpool side and will need to make a tough decision in the summer about whether to leave and become a first-choice goalkeeper in his own right.

Sources say there are question marks over whether Celtic could lure him to join amid other interest from Premier League sides.

Nottingham Forest saw a bid of around £15million rejected in January with Liverpool unwilling to lose him as cover mid-season.

I’m told the Merseysiders would now ask for a fee of around £20million this summer – with his contract at the club running until June 2026.

Liverpool plot priority signing ahead of Klopp’s summer exit

Liverpool chiefs have made defensive signings their priority ahead of the summer window after spending big to reshape their midfield last year.

Cover at centre-back is now seen as key with Virgil van Dijk 32 years of age and Ibrahima Konate continuing to struggle with injury problems.

Right-back could also be on the summer agenda for Liverpool if their next boss chooses to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role.

A back-up goalkeeper will also be needed if Kelleher leaves this summer, while a defensive midfielder could also come in with Endo now 31 and on a short-term deal.

Mohamed Salah would need to be replaced if he is to exit but any Saudi deal would easily bring in the funds to do so.