Pete O’Rourke column: Big Liverpool upheaval, Salah and Van Dijk to quit in devastating double blow after bombshell?

Wed 31 January 2024 22:30, UK

Welcome to the latest edition of my twice-weekly 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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LUTON TOWN

Sint-Truidense right-back Daiki Hashioka is set to complete his move to Kenilworth Road in the coming hours.

I’m told he will sign a three-and-a-half-year deal at Luton, who have moved quickly to see off competition from other clubs.

Leeds United and KRC Genk are among the clubs to be linked with a deal for the 24-year-old.

Rob Edwards always planned to strengthen at right-back this month and has now got his man ahead of the 1 February transfer deadline.

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FULHAM

Plymouth star Morgan Whittaker is attracting interest from Fulham, West Ham and Brentford – who are all monitoring his situation.

Fulham and Brentford both watched Whittaker in action against Leeds United in the FA Cup on Saturday (27 January) with a potential late-window swoop in mind.

Both clubs are plotting a possible bid before the deadline, I’m told.

Plymouth don’t want to lose the attacker so it will take a big fee to land Whittaker, who is under contract until June 2027.

Sources say he could cost between £10-15million in the latter stages of this window.

Plymouth have already lost key players and their manager this month and will be desperate to keep Whittaker to ensure they stay in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Fulham are still looking for a striker but are keen to land the right signing this month rather than rush into a panic signing.

I’m told Chelsea star Armando Broja is wanted but the Blues’ price tag is still proving prohibitive.

If Fulham can’t complete a deal for Broja, I’m told they are content to wait until the summer window as they are unlikely to be in a relegation fight.

They will return for their top targets later this year – unless they can strike a deal for the Chelsea star.

EVERTON

The Toffees are monitoring the situation of West Ham star Said Benrahma, who has been given the green light to move on this month.

A new winger has been a priority for Sean Dyche all month, but Everton cannot compete financially with French and Saudi sides – who are also in the hunt for Benrahma’s signature.

Lyon have reportedly agreed a £15million fee for the Algeria international, who is apparently yet to decide on a return to France.

Everton can only submit a loan offer for the West Ham star and cannot sanction a permanent deal for his services.

LEICESTER CITY

The Foxes are not open to offers at all for midfield star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, I’m told.

Brighton, Brentford, Fulham and Arsenal are among the would-be suitors linked with a move for Dewsbury-Hall.

I don’t envisage him leaving in this window as it would take a huge offer for Leicester to even consider letting the academy product go.

I’m told the player himself wants to stay with the Foxes and finish the job by helping them return to the Premier League.

LIVERPOOL

The Reds are set for big upheaval in the summer window with Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff set to leave Anfield.

However, the Liverpool board are keen to keep the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk around despite their ages and links to Klopp.

I’m told there will be interest in Salah from Saudi Pro League sides – who will push hard to land the 31-year-old later this year.

Sources say any new manager is likely to want to keep the core of the squad together for at least one more year.

That is despite concerning comments from Van Dijk which suggested he is unsure about his Liverpool future post-Klopp.

ARSENAL

Jakub Kiwior only signed for the Gunners just 12 months ago but is already wanted by AC Milan late in the January window.

However, I’m told Arsenal are not likely to let him go despite his lack of action in the 2023-24 campaign so far.

Mikel Arteta’s side are readying a huge push in the Premier League and Champions League.

Kiwior is likely to stay put, I’m told, as there is not sufficient time to get a replacement signing over the line.