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Pete O'Rourke column: Tottenham set aside 'huge' sum to sign red-hot striker, Man City explore Paqueta alternatives, Brentford swoop for Sinisterra
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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FULHAM
My understanding is that Marco Silva’s side have KAA Gent striker Gift Orban on their list of potential replacements for Aleksandar Mitrovic.
I’m told they are admirers of his performances in Belgium and are ready to move for him before the end of the summer window on 1 September.
Orban is one of two strikers on the Fulham shortlist but is likely to cost top dollar.
Gent want a fee of between £30-40million for the Nigerian – which could eclipse the Belgian-record reported £31.1million departure of Club Brugge’s Charles De Ketelaere to AC Milan.
He is tied down to a long-term contract at the club having only joined in January.
Orban notched 20 goals in the second half of last season and has already managed six strikes in six games in the new campaign.
Replacing Mitrovic’s goals are the top priority for transfer chiefs at Fulham, but Silva is keen to strengthen elsewhere in his squad.
I’m told the Cottagers want new signings in both full-back positions, while a centre-back is also set to come in with Tosin Adarabioyo set to leave before the deadline.
Sources say a busy period is expected at Craven Cottage before the 1 September cut-off.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE FULHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
TOTTENHAM
Spurs are looking at several striker options, including Orban.
Reports in Italy have suggested Romelu Lukaku is a target for the Lilywhites after his exile at Chelsea.
The Blues are desperate to find a solution to his future before the 1 September deadline, while Juventus are struggling to get a deal over the line.
That could open the door for Tottenham to swoop, but they are currently focusing on other targets – including Orban.
I’m told from sources that Ange Postecoglou’s side have a “huge” budget to get the right man through the door before the end of the window.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
BRENTFORD
My understanding is that Brentford have made enquiries over a possible deal for Leeds outcast Luis Sinisterra.
They see him as a potential bargain in the late stages of the window, but face competition from Feyenoord and Nice.
He has missed the last two Championship games entirely and is now training away from the first-team squad, alongside Wilfried Gnonto and Helder Costa.
Brentford are keen on Sinisterra and can offer him the chance to return to the Premier League following Leeds’ relegation.
Leeds could be receptive to selling for a good fee – but I’m told there is little chance of them accepting another loan bid.
The Whites need to raise funds to do transfer business of their own this summer and Sinisterra’s first-team absence will be ongoing until his future is resolved.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE BRENTFORD NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
LEICESTER CITY
Patson Daka is on the radar of Ligue 1 outfit Monaco after they were priced out of a move for Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, I’m told.
The Zambia international hasn’t featured for Leicester this term and I’m told he is keen to move away from the King Power Stadium.
Sources say Daka doesn’t see himself playing Championship football, and the Foxes would be open to allowing him to go.
However, he has three years left to run on his contract and they want to recoup most of the £23million paid to sign him from RB Salzburg in 2021.
Meanwhile, there is a real possibility of Leicester losing more players before the 1 September deadline.
Kelechi Iheanacho has just one year remaining on his contract and I’m told he is attracting interest – both in the Premier League and Saudi Pro League.
Enzo Maresca is keen to keep the likes of Luke Thomas, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Ricardo Pereira past the deadline but sources say he is bracing for offers for a number of key stars.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEICESTER NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN CITY
The treble-winners are exploring other targets after the latest developments with Lucas Paqueta and his alleged betting breach investigation.
I revealed City’s interest in Dani Olmo some weeks ago, and that has now resurfaced – but I’m told it will be hard deal to do.
Leipzig have already sold the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku to the Premier League for big fees this summer – and are reluctant to lose any more key stars.
Meanwhile, City are closing in on a full agreement for Stade Rennais sensation Jeremy Doku.
I’m told personal terms are agreed and he is expected to become a new arrival at the Etihad Stadium sooner rather than later.
My understanding is that Pep Guardiola spoke personally to persuade Doku to move to England.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS