Pete O’Rourke column: Aston Villa plot £40m Gloukh bid, major update on Phillips joining Man United, Chelsea to sack Pochettino?

Thu 14 December 2023 18:00, 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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ASTON VILLA

My understanding is that RB Salzburg star Oscar Gloukh is on the radar at Villa Park.

As previously reported on Football Insider, Villa are looking to bring two attacking players to the club in January.

I’m told Gloukh is on the list and is regarded as one of the highest-rated young talents in Europe.

He has experience in the Champions League and clubs across Europe and in the Premier League are watching him.

Salzburg don’t want to lose him in January but their exit from the Champions League is likely to be a huge blow.

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The Austrian giants historically sell their best players for the right fee and could accept a bid of around £40-50million for Gloukh.

Gloukh, 19, only joined in January but they will find it hard to keep him around amid interest across Europe and in the Premier League.

Villa’s owners are ready to back Unai Emery yet again in the transfer market.

The Midlands giants have been in superb form but injuries in attack could really hurt them going forward – and Gloukh is on the list, as well as an out-and-out forward.

The club’s mega-rich owners have a great opportunity to build on their great start and money is likely to be available to do just that.

Emery wants to add to his Aston Villa squad rather than allow anyone to leave in January – with depth expected to be important post-Christmas amid their continued involvement in the Europa Conference League.

There has been lots of talk about Douglas Luiz potentially leaving – but I’m told Aston Villa would not even consider a sale next month amid interest from Arsenal.

MAN UNITED

Amad Diallo is only just returning to training after the long-term knee injury he sustained in pre-season.

I’m told Erik ten Hag wants to take a look at the winger with Jadon Sancho out of the picture at Old Trafford.

However, if Diallo can’t break into the senior squad at Man United – it could well be best for him to exit on loan.

My understanding is that several clubs are ready to take him on loan, including Championship duo Leicester and Sunderland – as well as other Premier League and European sides.

Meanwhile, Man United have been linked with a move for Man City star Kalvin Phillips.

The England international is focused on his future and is ready to move on in January as his lack of action at City continues.

However, I’m told a move to United would come as a huge surprise.

Him joining Ten Hag’s side is highly unlikely – with the midfielder set to go on loan elsewhere in January with a view to a permanent move in the summer window.

Sources say United will be in the market for midfield reinforcements in the new year.

CHELSEA

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed January signings are needed at Stamford Bridge.

I’m told the priority for Chelsea is a new striker, but it will not be easy for them to land their top targets mid-season.

Ivan Toney is only just returning from a ban and Brentford do not want to sell him, while Victor Osimhen is also a target – but his price tag could prove difficult to meet.

Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord is being monitored by Chelsea and other Premier League sides but the Dutch club are also reluctant to sell in the new year.

Sources say the funds will be made available to Pochettino if one of those players becomes available for the right price in January.

I’m told goalkeeper is another area they are keen to improve – irrespective of Robert Sanchez’s prognosis after he limped off against Everton.

The Chelsea squad is bloated and tough decisions will have to be made in January – meaning players will have to move on.

Meanwhile, Pochettino has also said that mid-table is now the “reality” for the Stamford Bridge club – who sit 12th in the table.

The club’s owners are expecting more and hoped for a vast improvement under the Argentine.

Inconsistency has riddled Chelsea this term and away form is quickly becoming a real concern for club chiefs – with pressure growing on Pochettino.

However, it is a long-term project for Pochettino and I’m told the Blues will not panic and rush into a sacking.

Top four was the target at the start of this season but the ex-Spurs boss will be given time to fix on-field problems and address the balance of the squad.

MAN CITY

Money is available if Pep Guardiola wants to dip into the transfer market in the January transfer market, I’m told.

However, there is no massive rush to get deals over the line mid-season despite City’s poor recent form.

Injuries could dictate the transfer policy at the Etihad Stadium – and if Erling Haaland’s condition worsens, they could enter the market for a striker.

Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips‘ imminent exit could see City go for another midfielder in the January window.

Midfield and striker are two areas Guardiola is looking at, but there are no immediate plans to sign players in January – with City preferring to do business in the summer window.