Pete O’Rourke column: Man United and Newcastle frontrunners for Guirassy deal, major update on Matip’s Liverpool future, Broja to quit Chelsea for rivals?

Thu 7 December 2023 20:00, UK

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FULHAM

The Cottagers had shown an interest in Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy but are now not optimistic of being able to compete with the likes of Newcastle and Man United for his signature, I’m told.

Interest from elite Premier League sides and others across Europe could force Fulham to now look elsewhere for a marquee striker signing.

Marco Silva is desperate to strengthen and land a long-term replacement for Aleksandar Mitrović following his summer departure.

Armando Broja of rivals Chelsea is another name being looked at ahead of the January window, I’m told.

It is not clear if the Blues would allow the 22-year-old to leave and it is likely that they would have to sign a striker of their own before letting him go.

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Sources say Broja is unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge in January.

Fulham are continuing to keep tabs on him as well as scouring Europe for other striking options to solve their goalscoring problems.

MAN UNITED

The Red Devils and Newcastle are now frontrunners for the signature of Guirassy in the January transfer window.

He will likely be away at the African Cup of Nations from mid-January but I’m told the Premier League duo are not put off by that potential absence.

His £15million release clause makes him an attractive and affordable option for both sides in the mid-season window.

Guirassy has a sensational goalscoring record so far in the 2023-24 campaign, notching 17 goals in 12 games.

CRYSTAL PALACE

The Eagles have been dealt an untimely injury blow to Cheick Doucoure, who could miss the rest of the 2023-24 campaign with an Achilles problem.

Doucoure is so important to Palace and was a Liverpool target in the summer, causing Roy Hodgson’s side to place a £70million price tag on his head.

I’m told Palace won’t be flush with money to sign a stand-in for the midfielder in January, and have had to scrap their plans to sign a striker to bolster their midfield options instead.

Hodgson’s side are short in the middle of the park and are looking for a new defensive midfielder to stiffen up the squad, but may have to use the loan market to do so.

WEST HAM

I’m told there is a real potential that Pablo Fornals could leave the club in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and the new year is one of West Ham’s last chances to cash in and prevent him leaving for free.

Sources say the Irons will be open to offers in the upcoming winter window – with Premier League, La Liga and Saudi Pro League sides all looking at him.

I’m told he won’t be short of takers in January.

West Ham could raise funds for other signings, including at left-back and striker, by parting with Fornals.

LIVERPOOL

Joel Matip suffered a knee injury against Fulham on Sunday (3 December) and Jurgen Klopp has admitted he could face a long layoff.

However, I’m told there is still no massive need for a centre-back signing in the January window.

The Reds are still keen to bring a new defender to Anfield long-term and have been widely linked with Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Any further injuries to the likes of Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate or Joe Gomez could force Jurgen Klopp’s side into the market – but otherwise a deal could wait until the summer.

Matip is out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

If they are to bring in a new centre-back as planned next summer, he will be pushed down the pecking order at Anfield.

Nonetheless, I’m told Klopp is a huge admirer of his and wants to keep him at the club for longer.

Matip would have to accept a backup role to stay but the Liverpool boss is keen to offer him a contract extension.

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Chris Wilder has replaced Paul Heckingbottom as Blades boss and is looking for some funds to be made available in the January transfer window.

However, I’m told there won’t be big money available despite Sheffield United sitting bottom of the Premier League.

Sources say Wilder will, to some extent, have his hands tied after returning to the club.

The Blades may now look to Europe in January and also pursue potential loan arrivals from the continent.

I’m told Wilder will have to be smart in the market to make substantial changes to the squad.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder in black wet coat

NEWCASTLE

The Magpies want to extend the deal of defender Fabian Schar – with his current contract set to expire at the end of this season.

He has become a key man under Eddie Howe and has played every minute in the Premier League and Champions League this season.

Schar’s form is attracting interest from clubs across Europe, who are eyeing a free transfer swoop for the Switzerland international.

Nevertheless, I’m told Newcastle are confident of extending his deal.