O’Rourke column: Newcastle United lead race for Everton star Amadou Onana, Fernandes to quit Man United?

Thu 8 February 2024 20:00, UK

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Amadou Onana

The Everton midfielder was the subject of interest in the January window but the Merseysiders were reluctant to lose him and priced all clubs out of a move.

I’m told Newcastle United are now very keen on a potential move for the 22-year-old this summer.

They have compiled extensive scouting reports on the Belgium international and see him as a real upgrade on their current midfield options.

I expect Newcastle to follow up their interest in Onana in the summer window.

Arsenal are also keen but they are looking at several players – including Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz – meaning Onana is not their top target.

Jarrad Branthwaite

The Everton centre-back is the subject of lots of interest in the Premier League and abroad.

Branthwaite has been a revelation for Sean Dyche’s side since returning from a loan at PSV Eindhoven and is now on the fringes of an England call-up.

I’m told Man United are big admirers of the 21-year-old and have made him a long-term target.

United are leading the race in England – but sources say La Liga giants Real Madrid are also monitoring his situation.

My understanding is that Everton’s takeover potentially falling through or relegation to the Championship could spark a massive race for Branthwaite’s signature this summer as clubs eye a cut-price deal.

Bruno Fernandes

The 29-year-old Man United star is the subject of big interest in the Saudi Pro League – with Al-Hilal among the sides keen on a potential move.

However, I’m told the Red Devils are not concerned about losing their captain – they are confident Fernandes remains happy at Old Trafford.

They will sit down to discuss his future at the club in the summer and could offer a long-term new contract.

Fernandes has two years (plus an option for a further 12 months) remaining on his current deal but United are desperate to keep him.

Sources say the Portugal international is happy at Old Trafford despite recent struggles under Erik ten Hag.

However, I’m told he is unlikely to receive a bumper new pay rise with new part-owners INEOS looking to rein in spending at the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making more unpopular decisions at Man United

Jadon Sancho

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has already poured cold water on a potential permanent Sancho deal in the off-season.

His valuation has dropped since joining United in 2021 but I’m told the Red Devils will still ask for a huge fee in the summer.

Sancho’s eye-watering wages are also likely to be prohibitive for Dortmund.

Sources say Man United could ask for a fee of between £40-50million to part with Sancho this summer – rising further if he performs well on loan in Germany.

I’m told the England international could yet return to United if Erik ten Hag leaves the club.

Sancho’s future remains up in the air and my understanding is that no decision will be made until the summer.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino has admitted his job at Chelsea isn’t safe but my understanding is that he is in no imminent danger of being sacked.

The Blues are 11th in the Premier League and that will bring pressure, but the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge are reluctant to part with him after already going through three managers.

Chelsea face a League Cup final against Liverpool later this month (25 February) and I’m told that game will be key to Pochettino’s future.

There is already widespread frustration growing in the Blues fanbase and the club’s hierarchy won’t hesitate to make a change in the future if results don’t improve.

I’m told the finances are there to lure another top manager to Chelsea.

Lloyd Kelly

No concrete interest arrived for the Bournemouth defender in the January transfer window – but Kelly is in a strong position as the end of his contract approaches.

The Cherries would love to keep him, I’m told, but he has rejected a few offers of a new deal.

Kelly has been able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides since 1 January and Juventus, AC Milan and clubs in the German Bundesliga are all keen to snap him up for free.

However, I’m told the defender, 25, is in no rush to make a decision on his future.

Tottenham and Liverpool are long-term admirers and are still monitoring his situation ahead of a possible free transfer swoop later this year.

Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola has rubbished talk of a potential move for Haaland to Real Madrid amid speculation in Spanish media.

The 23-year-old has three years left on his City contract and the treble-winners have no worries about him potentially exiting at this time.

I’m told Haaland is happy playing under Guardiola and has no plans to exit in the near future.

The talisman could sit down to discuss his future plans this summer but sources say no contract talks are imminent.