Pete O’Rourke column: ‘Huge’ Liverpool Bellingham boost, Newcastle line up London star, Aston Villa fear Martinez exit

Sun 19 February 2023 7:15, UK

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CHELSEA

All of Europe’s top clubs are in the hunt to sign Jude Bellingham this summer.

Chelsea are no different and have expressed their interest, but my understanding is that they are not his preferred destination.

The likes of Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid remain the frontrunners to get him in the summer.

Chelsea are pretty far behind that trio in the race for his signature, I’m told, which is a huge Liverpool boost.

It’s going to be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge – not just in terms of incomings, but outgoings at well.

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Graham Potter will want a smaller squad to work with, and that means the likes of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could well be on their way out.

They won’t hesitate to accept a suitable offer for Mason Mount if no progress can be made in his contract talks, either.

LIVERPOOL

Bellingham has been a long-term target for Liverpool, but finishing outside the top four will make it much more difficult to lure him.

They’re making a strong case. The recruitment team at Anfield want to make him the cornerstone of the midfield rebuild they are in desperate need of.

Dortmund want in excess of £100million if they are to part with him this summer. They’ve seen the British-record sale of Enzo Fernandez and they feel that Bellingham is a superior player with a much higher ceiling.

The 19-year-old hasn’t ruled out staying at Dortmund for another season, either.

Erling Haaland did something similar in 2021 when he had interest from Europe’s elite – and Bellingham could follow in his footsteps by safeguarding his development.

ASTON VILLA

It’s going to be a big summer for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

He wants to compete at the highest level and win trophies after having a taste of that at the World Cup.

He’s looking to move to a bigger club who are competing in the Champions League and competing for league titles.

Aston Villa would be willing to listen to offers this summer. Unai Emery could use any potential transfer fee to go out and strengthen the squad.

Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan are all admirers of Martinez after he enhanced his reputation out in Qatar.

Villa are well within their rights to demand top dollar, and would probably ask for upwards of £40million in order to let him go.

They don’t need to make a sale in order to spend big this summer – they’ve got big financial backing from their owners regardless – but Martinez is one of the most saleable assets.

In terms of incomings, a top striker is likely to be the ideal marquee signing in the off-season.

Emery also likes his wide forwards. Gerard Deulofeu is a target ahead of the summer – and a move for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson can never be ruled out after their time together.

CRYSTAL PALACE

My understanding is that Crystal Palace are in limbo over the future of Wilfried Zaha.

He will be out of contract at the end of the season, but neither Palace or Zaha know what’s going on at present.

He wants to play in the Champions League, and leaving as a free agent opens up that possibility. He is also open to moving abroad.

But there’s been no communication from the player’s side as of yet. Palace can’t plan for life after him without knowing his intentions.

He’s already on £130,000-a-week, so it will be difficult for Palace to increase his wage in order to keep him. However, they could offer him a longer-term contract than many of his potential suitors.

Palace want to keep him until the end of his career after all he has done for them over the years.

They are desperate to avoid paying big money to replace a player of his calibre, so a new contract would make financial sense.

TOTTENHAM

My sources tell me that Zaha is no longer a priority target for Tottenham – or their rivals, Arsenal.

He is still on the shortlist ahead of the summer – but he is no longer towards the top.

The winger has a lot of interest from other Premier League clubs, however – who see signing a player of his quality on a free transfer as a no-brainer.

NEWCASTLE

Left-back is an area Newcastle desperately want to improve this summer.

They are looking for someone a bit more attack-minded, a bit younger, a bit quicker than Dan Burn – who has filled in admirably this season.

My understanding is that the top target will be Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. They’ve been scouting him for a while now and he has had a really good season.

However, Man City, AC Milan, and Inter Milan are all also looking at him.

Fulham are desperate to keep him but the lure of Champions League football could be too much for Robinson.

It is my understanding that Newcastle are ready to offer Burn a new contract, despite scouring the market for a new left-back.

He has less than 18 months left but Eddie Howe wants to keep him around the squad – and he really values his versatility.

Matt Targett also remains in Howe’s plans despite his lack of game time and the interest in Robinson.

Sources also tell me that Newcastle want to strengthen the spine of their squad.

A partner for centre-back Sven Botman is on their summer shortlist, even with the impressive form of Fabian Schar this season.