Pete O’Rourke transfer column: Aston Villa big name ready to quit, West Ham line up new signing, Newcastle plotting to sign another Leicester star

Thu 13 April 2023 6:40, UK

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MAN UNITED

Brighton have been made aware of growing interest in Alexis Mac Allister from the Red Devils.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also ready to move for the World Cup winner in the summer window, with other Premier League interest also possible.

Sources say he’s already among the highest earners at Brighton, and they’re likely to be blown out of the water by elite clubs when it comes to personal terms.

The player is keen to move on and play at a high level, and an Old Trafford move could well be too good to turn down.

Man United have also been linked with Moises Caicedo, another key part of this impressive Brighton side.

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The defensive midfielder signed a new contract last month but I’m told that will have no bearing on a potential exit this summer, and another transfer saga is possible in the off-season.

Sources say Man United would have to splash out around £150million in order to get Brighton to part with two of their prize assets.

I’m told a defensive midfielder is not seen as an urgent priority following the signing of Casemiro, but Mac Allister is a player who ticks a lot of boxes for Erik ten Hag and his search for reinforcements.

BRIGHTON

The Seagulls are exploring all options as they try to keep Mac Allister at the club.

Qualifying for the Champions League group stages in the 2023-24 season would allow them to offer higher wages and a chance for the midfielder to play in the competition.

However, with two years left on his current deal – I’m told Brighton are really reluctant to let him run down his contract to just 12 months.

That would open the door to Mac Allister leaving the Amex Stadium for free, so the Seagulls are set to consider any big-money offers carefully this summer.

The south coast club have a real history of getting top dollar for their best players.

ASTON VILLA

Manager Unai Emery has been speaking publicly recently about a new deal for Ollie Watkins.

Sources with knowledge of his situation have revealed that talks are progressing nicely and everyone is happy with the direction in which discussions are going.

Watkins is a key part of Emery’s plans, and the Spaniard is ready to build his side around the in-form striker.

Villa were considering signing a new first-choice striker in the summer window, but I’m told anyone who comes in now will have to play second fiddle to the England international.

The striker isn’t yet among the highest earners, but it is believed that this new deal will take the 27-year-old well above the £100,000-a-week mark.

Meanwhile, it is likely to be a difficult summer for defender Lucas Digne.

He is one of the highest earners at Villa Park but has lost his place in the side to January signing Alex Moreno.

I’m told he is not willing to play second fiddle to Moreno, and there have been suggestions that Emery isn’t the biggest fan of his.

If Villa can offload him in the summer window, they will seriously consider it.

WEST HAM

The Irons are readying a move for Flamengo striker Pedro if they survive relegation this season.

He has already scored 14 goals in the first 15 games of the season in Brazil, which has brought him to the attention of Premier League sides.

David Moyes’ side have done recent business in Brazil and they are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old heading into the off-season.

The forward turned out twice for his country at the World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, I’m told Serie A interest is expected to materialise for big-money signing Gianluca Scamacca.

His arrival hasn’t worked out for any party this season and West Ham could be open to selling him if they can secure striking reinforcements.

But with the Irons’ precarious league position and the uncertain future of Moyes, a decision has not yet been made.

Michail Antonio attracted interest from Everton and Wolves in January and I’m told he will be a target for more Premier League sides in the summer.

This upcoming window could be his last chance to secure a final big-money move as he approaches his twilight years.

He will have 12 months left on his contract in June and sources tell me it’s likely he will be allowed to leave if a replacement comes in ahead of time.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Forest are also considering a move for Pedro should they survive relegation to the Championship.

They are aware they will need to improve their front line to maintain their Premier League status with moves for the likes of Emmanuel Dennis and Chris Wood yet to bear fruit.

If they do stay up, more money will be made available for summer signings.

Forest’s ambitious owners are ready to bankroll yet another window despite a lack of success stories from the 30 signings they have made in the 2022-23 campaign.

My understanding is that huge money is ready to spend on marquee, high-profile signings if Steve Cooper can mastermind survival in the final games of this term.

NEWCASTLE

The Magpies are one of several Premier League sides ready to pounce for Leicester’s Harvey Barnes if they go down this season.

Tottenham are also long-term admirers of the England international and both clubs feel they could land a bargain in Barnes this summer.

However tough it may be for Leicester to keep their prize assets in the event of relegation, they have a history of receiving top dollar for their best players.

I’m told it could take a fee of around £50million to secure Barnes’ signature in the off-season.

LEICESTER

It will be tough for the Foxes to keep hold of Barnes, but there are major concerns about a wider fire sale at the King Power Stadium if Dean Smith can’t save them from the drop.

Captain James Maddison is also wanted by top Premier League sides including Newcastle and Tottenham.

I’m told the spine of the side could be picked apart with a number of the most experienced players wanting to continue to play in the top flight.

The financial results released recently, which showed the club making a record loss in the 2021-22 season, will also be of major concern for Leicester.