Pete O’Rourke column: Two Aston Villa deals get green light, Celtic plot three more signings, West Ham could sell Aguerd and replace him with forgotten star

Wed 17 January 2024 18:00, UK Updated Thu 18 January 2024 6:32, 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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ASTON VILLA

My understanding is that Barcelona are ready to enter the race for Douglas Luiz in the summer window.

I’m told there is definitely no move on the cards in January, but Barca are looking to rebuild their midfield later this year.

They are plotting a move for Luiz in the summer window and will face competition in the shape of long-term interest from Arsenal – while Liverpool are also big admirers of the Brazil international.

Villa could face a fight to keep hold of him in the summer, with Unai Emery already hinting players could be sold for Financial Fair Play reasons going forward.

Luiz is one of the club’s prized assets, and Villa will point to the £100million+ deals for Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice last year.

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The midfielder will have two years left on his contract at the end of the season, and I’m told he will command a big salary if he is to renew.

Villa are aware of the interest and Luiz is flattered by the clubs taking a close look at him.

Sources say there is no rush from Villa’s side – they will likely sit down at the end of the season to see where the land lies with Luiz’s future.

Meanwhile, exits for Bertrand Traore and Calum Chambers could make room for potential signings late in this month’s window.

Clubs across Europe and elsewhere are looking at both players – who have already been told they are free to find new sides.

Chambers saw a late move to Turkey fall through last summer, and I’m told that could be resurrected – while he could become an option for Premier League sides.

I’m told there is also interest in Traore from Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Forest have been charged with a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules and could face a potential fine or point deduction in the near future.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have an unbalanced, top-heavy squad – and he wants to trim those numbers to allow himself to make his own signings.

I’m not expecting Forest to be busy in the remainder of the window if they don’t first make significant sales.

The squad is too bloated following big windows in recent years – meaning there will be far more exits than incomings in this window.

CHELSEA

Trevoh Chalobah has recovered from his long-term injury and is now approaching full fitness.

However, I’m told he doesn’t figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans at Stamford Bridge – and the Blues see him as a saleable asset capable of improving their Financial Fair Play situation.

Chalobah wants regular first-team football if he is to leave Chelsea, where he is under contract until June 2028.

Napoli have an interest as they search for a new centre-back, while West Ham could also come in for the ex-England Under-21 international if they lose Nayef Aguerd this month.

TOTTENHAM

Sergio Reguilon returned to Spurs earlier this month after his Man United loan in the first half of the 2023-24 campaign.

I’m told there is a strong possibility that the left-back will complete a loan move to Brentford.

In the meantime, if he plays for Tottenham he cannot join another club – so will remain on the sidelines until a deal is struck.

Brentford have been widely linked, and Spurs would be willing to let Reguilon head to the London club and put himself in the shop window for the rest of the season.

The Bees have injuries to Aaron Hickey and Rico Henry and face competition for the ex-Spain international from other clubs.

Former Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon

CELTIC

Winger Nicolas Kuhn is set to join the Hoops from Rapid Vienna, and I’m told he is not likely to be the last name through the door at Parkhead this month.

Celtic still want a goalkeeper – but that deal could have to wait until the summer window.

Reinforcements at left-back and a forward are potentially still on the agenda for the January window and funds are still available for Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment staff.

On the goalkeeper front, Caoimhin Kelleher has been widely linked to Celtic.

I’m told it would have to be a loan deal if the Hoops were to land the Republic of Ireland international – but Liverpool do not want to lose him this month.

Kelleher is keen to leave Anfield in the summer and go in search of first-team football – but it is likely to be a loan with an option to buy as Liverpool want £20million to let him go permanently.

The 25-year-old could replace Joe Hart, who is out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

RANGERS

Philippe Clement’s side want another forward this month despite already signing Fabio Silva.

I’m told a potential exit for Ridvan Yilmaz, who is wanted by Galatasaray and Hellas Verona, could raise the funds for the Gers to do that in the remainder of the window.

Left-back is the key position of interest at this time, but they are set to miss out on Josh Doig to Marseille in a huge blow to Rangers.

Clement and his recruitment staff are working overtime and scouring the market for an alternative with two weeks left of the mid-season window.