O’Rourke Transfer Column: Liverpool box-office signing boost, Newcastle line up crucial deal, Man United exodus begins

Mon 6 March 2023 6:45, UK

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MAN UNITED

Fresh from their Carabao Cup success, the Red Devils have turned their attention towards the summer window.

Erik ten Hag has told the United board that he wants three new arrivals in the summer to help maintain the positive momentum built this season.

However, the budget at Old Trafford is looking tight, and the Dutchman has been told he will have to sell players in order to raise funds for his summer spending.

As a result, United are ready to place six first-team stars up for sale this summer, with Anthony Martial, Donny Van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson, Brandon Williams and Harry Maguire all made available.

Ten Hag decided that it would be best for all parties involved if Maguire left this summer, with United’s captain falling behind in the centre-back pecking order.

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It is my understanding that United’s budget limitations are related to Financial Fair Play, with the club spending big on the likes of Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez last summer.

United produced the highest wage bill ever seen in the Premier League in 2021/22, and it has significantly impacted the club having less spending power for the upcoming window.

The loan signings of Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst in January were made with the summer budget in mind.

As for who United will target in the summer, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is top of the list.

Napoli are reluctant to let their star leave, but a bid in excess of £100million could seal the deal.

If a move for Osimhen falls through, Tottenham’s Harry Kane is also on United’s shortlist, but Spurs have placed a £100million price tag on him and would prefer not to sell to a direct rival.

Tammy Abraham is also on United’s radar, with Roma asking for around £70million, while Ten Hag remains a huge admirer of RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko.

WEST HAM

Man United’s summer fire sale has certainly caught the attention of West Ham.

The Hammers are in the market for three Red Devils stars this summer, with David Moyes targeting McTominay, Maguire and Martial.

West Ham are struggling in the Premier League this season and reinforcements are a must in the summer – Moyes believes the trio’s lack of playing time at Old Trafford could result in slashed prices.

The Hammers could also find a new chairman watching on from the stands next season.

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky currently owns a 27 per cent stake in the east London club, but he remains keen to become the majority shareholder.

Kretinsky is planning a £150million investment to secure the 25 per cent stake owned by David Gold before he passed away in January.

The acquisition would mean that Kretinsky’s stake surpasses that of David Sullivan. The current West Ham chairman is set to make a decision on his future at the club in the summer.

While West Ham do sit dangerously close to the relegation zone this season, it is my understanding that Kretinsky is eager to follow through with his investment even if West Ham are demoted to the Championship next summer.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

The big news emerging from St James’ Park this week is all about a new deal for midfield star Bruno Guimaraes.

The 25-year-old is undoubtedly a key player for the Magpies, and Eddie Howe is desperate to tie down his long-term future amid interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Madrid have made Guimaraes a top priority this summer, but Newcastle are confident of agreeing a new bumper deal with Guimaraes.

Talks between the parties are set to begin soon, with Newcastle ready to offer wages well in excess of £100,000-a-week to reflect Guimaraes’ importance to the club.

Alongside a new deal for Guimaraes, Howe has further plans for his midfield with Newcastle targeting two new Premier League midfielders this summer.

McTominay and James Maddison are on Newcastle’s radar, with Howe wanting a complete midfield overhaul next summer.

Newcastle had two bids rejected in January for Maddison but they remain long-term admirers of the playmaker and will return in the summer with refreshed interest.

CHELSEA

Graham Potter picked up a much-needed three points this week against Leeds United, and did it using a new tactical system.

From my sources, it is understood that Potter had been eager to switch to a three-at-the-back system earlier this season but faced opposition from Thiago Silva who much preferred an orthodox back four.

However, the Brazilian defender is sidelined with injury and so Potter took the opportunity to try his new style, with more attacking freedom given to the wing-backs.

Reece James and Ben Chillwell were central to Potter’s plans, with the English manager identifying the duo as key parts of his Chelsea project.

While Potter remains under pressure at Stamford Bridge, it is understood that the Blues are keen to stick by him this season.

The board are aware that top managerial targets are not too eager to step in and replace him this late into the season.

However, Chelsea do have an emergency plan in place and have identified Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique as their top three candidates should Potter fail to improve.

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have grown in confidence this week in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid were considered frontrunners to sign the 19-year-old midfielder this summer, but the Spanish side turning their attention towards Guimaraes has given the Reds a boost.

Madrid view Guimaraes as a cheaper option than Bellingham this summer and will test Newcastle’s resolve before tabling an offer for Bellingham.

Liverpool still face competition from Chelsea and Man City for Bellingham’s signature, but he is the top priority for the Merseyside club.