Pete O’Rourke column: £60m Man United deal hijacked, Newcastle want £20m Maddison discount, Harvey Barnes latest, Barella deal collapses
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MAN UNITED
I’m told negotiations are dragging on and on with David de Gea about a new contract – much to the frustration of the Red Devils.
The situation is stopping them from progressing with any deals for a new goalkeeper – and has also put the brakes on Dean Henderson‘s permanent move to Nottingham Forest.
De Gea has been concerned with the volume of links with new shot-stoppers – but Man United remain hopeful he will sign a new deal despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
Two options for Erik ten Hag’s side are David Raya and Andre Onana.
Raya would fit the Dutchman’s profile, but sources say Man United and transfer rivals Tottenham aren’t willing to pay Brentford’s £40million valuation.
The clubs are hoping to land him for a cut-price fee, knowing Brentford won’t risk losing him for free in 12 months’ time.
Meanwhile, Man United fear they are about to lose out on Napoli star Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich.
I’m told the centre-back was made a top target and the Old Trafford club launched enquiries – but Bayern are now moving quickly after hijacking the move.
The South Korea international has a release clause which becomes active next month – which is thought to be worth around £60million.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire has a decision to make.
The club captain is keen to play first-team football in order to safeguard his place in the England squad for the European Championships in 2024.
I’m told he is happy at Man United and wants to impress in pre-season to force his way back in – but if a new centre-back arrives, he will be even further down the pecking order.
Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and clubs from overseas are all monitoring his situation.
Talks are underway with Victor Lindelof, who could extend his Man United stay.
His performances at the end of the 2022-23 campaign have earned back the trust of Ten Hag with 12 months left on his contract.
Eintracht Frankfurt are ready to swoop in and sign the Sweden international if an agreement can’t be reached – with Lindelof needing to accept a backup role to remain a Man United player, I’m told.
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NEWCASTLE
The Magpies are long-term admirers of James Maddison, and it’s inevitable he will leave Leicester this summer.
But I’m told Newcastle are valuing him at around £30million – with the Foxes holding out for a fee of £50million for their star man.
Maddison has 12 months remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium.
Sources say that fact is a huge factor in Newcastle’s reluctance to pay the full asking price for the England international.
Also on the Magpies’ list is Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
They are hoping to land him for a fee of around £50million, but it is my understanding that will be nowhere near enough to get a deal done.
Inter value the Italy international at around £70million – which would be a new club record fee for Newcastle.
I’m told the figures involved in signing Barella are likely to be too rich for Eddie Howe’s side, who will move on to alternative targets – including Nice’s Khephren Thuram.
Sources tell me Barella is also not keen on a move to St James’ Park – with the Euro 2020 winner only willing to consider a move to one of the Premier League’s ‘big boys’.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NEWCASTLE NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
TOTTENHAM
Spurs are also unwilling to meet Leicester’s valuation for long-term target Maddison.
Both Tottenham and Newcastle are hoping to land him on a cheap fee as the summer window drags on.
I’m told all interested parties are miles away from Leicester’s demands at present, meaning no movement is imminent for the attacking midfielder.
Harvey Barnes is also on the list for both Newcastle and Tottenham.
Reports of a £50million combined bid, if accurate, would be well adrift of Leicester’s valuation of the duo.
Barnes is attracting interest from West Ham and Aston Villa, also, meaning it won’t be a straightforward race for Spurs or Newcastle.