O’Rourke Transfer Column: Man City turn attention to ready-made Gundogan replacement, Tottenham want multiple Southampton stars and Liverpool keen on giant

Wed 8 March 2023 8:00, UK

Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly 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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BRIGHTON

Moises Caicedo signed a new contract running until 2027 last week, but I’m told there is no release clause as part of the agreement.

It’s smart business from Brighton. They were looking for huge money in January, and that bargaining position will have improved even more.

However, sources tell me that his new contract won’t deter any potential suitors.

Caicedo is on the list of several clubs as England’s elite look for new midfielders this summer.

Arsenal were keen in January, Chelsea could revisit the situation – and Liverpool are long-term admirers of the Ecuador international. Man United could be in the market for him, too.

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He admitted in January that he wanted to leave for a club competing for titles, and when the biggest sides come calling – it is hard to ignore.

Brighton are going well, but Caicedo wants to play at the highest level possible.

SOUTHAMPTON

There could be a fire sale at St Mary’s Stadium if they suffer relegation this season.

Captain James Ward-Prowse is attracting interest, and Southampton will find it very hard to keep him around if they go down.

Aston Villa are long-term admirers of the 28-year-old – and Tottenham could also throw their hat into the ring for his signature.

His goalscoring record in a Saints shirt and his set-piece ability means there will be a number of top clubs looking at him.

There is also interest in Mohammed Salisu.

He has less than 18 months left to run on his contract at St Mary’s and due to the threat of relegation – I’m told there have been no talks over a renewal.

Newcastle are long-term admirers of his and Tottenham are also interested in his services. Both clubs are in the market for a left-sided centre-back.

I understand there will also be more interest in Che Adams this summer, as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.

I’m told a number of Premier League clubs are ready to take the 26-year-old in a heartbeat if Southampton are relegated.

Leeds United are long-term admirers and are monitoring his situation, while Everton also like him and are desperate for more striking reinforcements.

However, the threat of relegation is looming over both clubs meaning their transfer planning is currently on the back burner.

MAN UNITED

Hugely-talented and proven midfielder Adrien Rabiot is available on a free transfer this summer.

Man United were interested last year and could come back in for him in the next window.

Liverpool are also monitoring his situation as they plan a midfield overhaul. He wouldn’t be the only arrival, however, with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all set to leave Anfield for free.

The big conundrum for interested clubs is likely to be his wage demands. I’m told he will want a “huge” deal in order to leave Juventus for free this summer.

There aren’t many sides outside the Premier League who can give what he will ask for.

MAN CITY

The Citizens are also admirers of Rabiot.

He could be a ready-made replacement for Ilkay Gundogan this summer if the German chooses to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Rabiot was previously at the club as a youngster, so there is already a tangible link between the two parties.

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is someone who will be in huge demand this summer – especially if the Saints go down.

Top clubs are in the market for new midfielders and Lavia could be the one who ends up at the top of the list if they fail to land their top targets.

Man City put a buy-back clause in the deal when they sold him last summer which could have the advantage in any potential race.

A lot will depend on the future of Gundogan as to whether they choose to activate that clause, which would reportedly cost them £40milion.

WEST HAM

The Brighton result came as a massive shock to the Hammers.

Nevertheless, the West Ham board are keeping faith with David Moyes and see him as the man to keep them in the Premier League.

Moyes still has the backing of the squad and the owners believe they have enough talent to preserve their top-flight status.

I’m told there is currently no planning or strategy to replace Moyes, nor any talks with other managers.

The Irons are reluctant to make a managerial change this late in the season, but sources tell me there could be a review of Moyes’ future in the summer – even if he manages to avoid the drop.

If results don’t improve and West Ham are cut adrift of safety, there could be a rethink.

It is hoped that the games in the Europa Conference League can provide a platform to build confidence and rotate the squad.

BURNLEY

Nathan Tella has been a star man for the Clarets on loan from Southampton this season.

Vincent Kompany wants to keep him as he begins to draw up plans for Burnley’s return to the Premier League.

Kompany is looking into a potential permanent deal for the 23-year-old – and it would help his case if Southampton are relegated this season.

Tella would love to play regularly in the Premier League and has proven his worth to Burnley.

I’m told there will be money to spend at Turf Moor as the current squad is not seen as adequate for a return to the top flight.