Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 20 April 2023 6:30, 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

My understanding is that Erik ten Hag’s side are ready to join the race for Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes as they look to hijack the deal of long-term suitors Liverpool.

The Portugal international is well and truly on Man United’s radar and is on their shortlist of potential midfielder signings this summer.

Liverpool are long-term admirers of his, and have made tentative moves behind the scenes, while Newcastle and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest.

Central midfield is an area of the squad that Ten Hag is looking to strengthen in the off-season.

Wolves recently moved to remove the release clause in his contract after he signed just last year, and they’ll be hoping for a bidding war to push up his price when clubs firm up their interest in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Man United are keen to sign Marcel Sabitzer permanently this summer.

Erik ten Hag is happy with his contribution since joining on loan in January, and he is enjoying his time at Old Trafford.

I’m told a permanent move has a good chance of happening – but is likely to hinge on Bayern Munich’s asking price.

He doesn’t feature in Bayern’s long-term plans, and there’s now a willingness from all parties to get a deal done.

Meanwhile, talks are ongoing with David de Gea – who is out of contract in June.

Man United want the goalkeeper to take a pay cut if he is to stay at the club, as he is currently the highest earner in the squad.

I’m told he is happy at Old Trafford and wants to stay, but has not been happy with any contract offers made to him thus far.

As with Sabitzer, all parties are willing to get a deal done and rumours of Man United looking to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer are wide of the mark.

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ASTON VILLA

The Premier League high-fliers are among several top-flight clubs who have watched Charlton starlet Miles Leaburn in action this season.

Leaburn, 19, has scored 12 goals in 36 appearances this season after signing his first professional contract just last summer (2022).

Aston Villa are leading the chase to land him as they put an emphasis on signing youngsters with huge potential.

I’m told Unai Emery’s side are exploring the possibility of signing the forward with a view to loaning him back to Charlton, where he can continue his development.

Meanwhile, it could be tough for the club’s best existing talents to force their way into Emery’s senior squad for the 2023-24 campaign.

Aston Villa’s ambitious board are ready to back their manager in the summer transfer window with big money.

I’m told the Midlands giants will be busy in the off-season in terms of incomings.

Cameron Archer, Aaron Ramsey and Jaden Philogene are among the highest-rated talents out on loan in the Championship.

English clubs hold a strong interest in the trio and are waiting for a final decision on their first-team involvement from Emery before pulling the trigger on a summer move.

At the opposite end of the age spectrum, a new contract is possible for 37-year-old Ashley Young.

His current deal is up in June, and sources tell me he would be interested in extending his stay at the club.

Emery sees the value of keeping the versatile ace in the squad and has been impressed by him in the absence of Matty Cash.

I’m told there is a real possibility of him staying past the summer, and talks are likely to take place after the end of the season.

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WEST HAM

The Irons announced the departure of Arthur Masuaku on Monday (17 April) – and he will join Besiktas on a permanent basis this summer.

I’m told the Turkish giants will pay a fee of around £1.75million for the left-back’s services after activating the obligation to buy in his loan agreement.

Masuaku could be one of several players to depart the London Stadium in the off-season.

I’m told there could be a changing of the guard at West Ham after their disappointing campaign.

If they remain in the Premier League, David Moyes will be keen to refresh the squad once again.

Vladimir Coufal could quit the club after interest from Bayer Leverkusen last summer (2022) and in January.

Coufal’s contract is set to expire in June, but the Irons have the option to extend his stay by a further two years.

I’m told that the future of Aaron Cresswell is also in doubt as he enters the twilight years of his career.

Tomas Soucek is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract despite extensive negotiations and will have a year left on his deal in June.

Sources tell me Pablo Fornals – who is out of contract in June 2024 – could exit the club in the summer after struggling for a place in Moyes’ side this term.

One player who is likely to stay is Lukasz Fabianski despite his contract expiring in June.

The 38-year-old has a 12-month extension clause in his deal and I’m told Moyes is keen to keep him around as long as he remains fit.

Talks are likely to take place in the summer, once West Ham’s Premier League status has been decided.

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BURNLEY

The Clarets are starting to plan their transfer business ahead of their return to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season.

I’m told there is a real willingness to bring loan star Ian Maatsen back to the club in the summer.

He’s been a real success since joining from Chelsea – and it is believed that he doesn’t have a long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Maatsen will have one year left on his contract in June, and I’m told he could be a player the Blues would be willing to move on as they look to balance the books in the summer.

The 21-year-old is keen to play regular football.

Talks are also ongoing between Burnley and Southampton over a permanent deal for Nathan Tella.

The Clarets would love to keep him at Turf Moor after his 17-goal haul in the Championship this term.

But Southampton will demand a sizeable fee for the winger as they plan for a potential return to the second tier – and I’m told the Saints could be keen to keep him around for a possible promotion push.

Wout Weghorst will not return to Burnley this summer despite their promotion.

Sources tell me that he doesn’t fit the style of manager Vincent Kompany, and the Clarets are now keen to sell or loan the 30-year-old once again.

Weghorst is on loan at Man United after joining in January, but they also have no plans to keep the Netherlands international around.

Besiktas could make a move to bring the striker back to the club after his successful loan spell in the first half of this season – either temporarily or on a permanent basis.

The future of Kompany is also a big talking point amid reported interest from Tottenham and Chelsea.

I’m told the interest is flattering for the Clarets boss, but he wants to give it a crack with Burnley in the Premier League after his work to return them to the top tier.

Despite the extensive links and speculation, it is unlikely that Kompany will take another job in the off-season.

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