Pete O’Rourke column: Big update on Liverpool signing Olise, Aston Villa and Brighton want Leeds star, De Bruyne to quit Man City for Saudi?

Sun 7 January 2024 6:24, 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.

Follow Football Insider on Twitter to see the latest news as it breaks!

LEEDS UNITED

Whites star Crysencio Summerville is the subject of huge interest in the Premier League and across Europe after his outstanding form this season.

I’m told Aston Villa and Brighton are both admirers, with both sides making him a long-term target for the future.

Leeds have no intention of selling Summerville this month, however, no matter what the offer is.

Daniel Farke’s side see him as vital to their promotion bid and the club will do their utmost to resist offers in January.

That stance should hold firm as the player himself is in no rush to move on, I’m told.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

He is happy and focused on the promotion bid this season, sources say, but could be open to moving on should Leeds miss out on going up.

ASTON VILLA

The Midlands giants are ready to field lots of loan interest in Lamare Bogarde after his recent recall from a spell at Bristol Rovers.

Villa had always planned to loan him to a higher level after his time at Bristol Rovers earlier this season.

Southampton, Watford, Cardiff and Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen are all interested in taking Bogarde on loan this month.

Villa currently have no plans to sell the 20-year-old at this time, and no buy option will be included in any potential loan.

Selling academy products helps Villa from a Financial Fair Play standpoint, but the club want to take a look at Bogarde at a higher level before making a final decision on his future.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Michael Olise is the subject of new reported interest from Man United following their recent investment.

His new contract signed in August last year has brought a new release clause which is likely to be worth well in excess of £40million, I’m told.

Sources say there is likely to be a summer race for his signature with Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea all still admiring him.

I’m told Palace could be in for a hard battle to keep their star winger despite him signing that new contract just months ago.

MAN CITY

Football Insider first reported Saudi interest in Kevin De Bruyne back in October of last year, and he remains a top priority for clubs in the Middle East.

I’m told nothing will happen in terms of a potential deal in January, but clubs in Saudi are reluctant to spend this month as they look ahead to a potential swoop for the 32-year-old this summer.

He is now returning to fitness after a long-term, serious injury which saw clubs put their interest on the backburner.

De Bruyne will be 33 in June but remains a top target – especially if he can prove to Saudi clubs that he has fully recovered from his fitness problems in the second half of this season.

ARSENAL

The Gunners are keen to bring in a new left-back this month with Mikel Arteta identifying the left side of his defence as a weak area.

I’m told the club are looking at several overseas targets ahead of a potential swoop later in the January window.

Kieran Tierney is out on loan at Real Sociedad but is unlikely to be drafted back in this month.

Injuries held him back during his time at Arsenal and sources say Arteta doesn’t want to bring the Scotland international back to the club.

All signals still point to a summer exit for the ex-Celtic man, whether that is with Sociedad or another side.

WEST HAM

Said Benrahma is wanted by a host of clubs this month, including Lyon, Wolves and Fulham.

I’m told both Lyon and Wolves are unlikely to meet West Ham’s £20million valuation of the forward – and will instead pursue a loan-to-buy deal.

Fulham have the funds to meet that price tag but are not convinced doing such a deal would be value for money.

West Ham could be forced to let Benrahma depart on an initial loan with an option or obligation to buy later this year.

The Algeria international will not be at the African Cup of Nations and will have to provide cover for Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta until the end of the month.

I’m told if Benrahma is to be on the move, he will go late in the window.