Pete O’Rourke Column: Man United swoop for Real Madrid ‘untouchable’, Tottenham told Thomas Tuchel terms, Celtic deal agreed

Mon 13 March 2023 6:45, 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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MAN UNITED

Manchester United remain in the market for a new midfielder this summer and have set their sights on two La Liga stars.

The Red Devils remain keen on reuniting Erik ten Hag with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, and they’ve also registered interest in Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.

United plan to reignite their interest in De Jong this summer after failing to complete a move for the Dutchman last summer.

Barcelona are aware they will have to sell to help manage their financial problems, and they’re prepared to sell De Jong for £70million this summer.

United’s top priority is still a new centre-forward, but a central midfielder is high on Ten Hag’s list and De Jong is his first choice.

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Another on their midfield shortlist is Camavinga, but Madrid insist the young Frenchman is not for sale.

The La Liga giants consider him a key part of their long-term plans, and a natural heir to the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

United are long-term admirers of the 20-year-old from his time at Rennes but Madrid considers Camavinga “untouchable” and equal in value to the likes of Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham.

CHELSEA

The Blues are ready to challenge United’s pursuit of De Jong.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is a huge admirer of the 25-year-old and wanted to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

De Jong decided to stay put at Barcelona last season, but the decision may be taken out of his hands by the Spanish outfit this time round if they need to raise funds.

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Moises Caicedo are also on Chelsea’s shortlist for a new midfielder, but De Jong is viewed as the most acquirable target because of Barca’s struggles.

TOTTENHAM

Tottenham have already begun planning for life without Antonio Conte.

The Italian manager is out of contract this summer, and Spurs have decided against triggering the option for an extra year.

Instead, the North London side have started discussing potential candidates, and Thomas Tuchel is among a shortlist of three.

The former Chelsea boss was sacked earlier this season and remains jobless, but it is understood that Tottenham will have to secure Champions League qualification in order to lure him back to London.

Also on Tottenham’s radar is ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Forest are ready to grant Steve Cooper a £100million transfer budget this summer – but only if he survives relegation.

The newly-promoted Premier League side have brought in 30 new signings throughout the season, and they’re now ready to focus on quality over quantity.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is extremely ambitious and wants his side to eventually become a regular top-10 finisher in the Premier League, and he’s ready to put his hands in his pockets to achieve that goal.

A new striker and centre-back are the top priority for Cooper, while he also wants to solve the goalkeeper situation at the City Ground.

The Forest manager is a big fan of loan duo Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas but is aware that he has no chance of signing either permanently unless Forest avoid the drop.

Relegation this season would also trigger a fire sale at Forest, with the club needing to significantly cut their wage bill if they are demoted to the Championship.

Finally, Jesse Lingard is also expected to leave Forest this summer, with the Premier League outfit unwilling to offer him a new deal.

He joined the club on a lucrative one-year option, but Cooper no longer considers the 30-year-old part of his plans and believes it would be best for all parties if he left this summer.

Saudi Arabian clubs and MLS sides have both registered interest in Lingard, with the former believed to be favourite due to their willingness to meet his wage demands.

CELTIC

Celtic are planning for a big summer ahead, starting with the appointment of Joe Dudgeon – a scout who formerly worked with the City Football Group.

Ange Postecoglou has urged the Scottish giants to improve their scouting and recruitment network this season, because the Hoops boss is wanting three headline signings before the start of next season.

A new centre-back, central midfielder and striker is on Postecoglou’s shopping list, and the Celtic board have told him that his budget will be inflated should they secure qualification to the Champions League.

Not only are Celtic looking to recruit reinforcements this summer, but the Glasgow club are also insistent that the trio of Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada and Jota are not for sale.

Postecoglou sees the trio as key parts of his long-term vision at the club.

LEEDS UNITED

Victor Orta faces an uncertain future at Elland Road.

With the 49ers takeover inching closer, there are doubts over whether the new owners will stick with Orta in the boardroom.

The Spaniard could be the first to leave should the takeover be completed this summer.

The Whites are sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone, and the trio of Jack Harrison, Robin Koch and Illan Meslier are ready to quit if the club are demoted this season.

However, should they survive, Javi Gracia has urged the board to overhaul the squad in the summer, with the defence highlighted as a particular weak point.