Pete O’Rourke transfer column: Newcastle ready move for Leeds star, Klopp green lights Liverpool defender deal, Tottenham target ‘outstanding’ midfielder

Thu 27 April 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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NEWCASTLE UNITED

My understanding is that the Magpies are just one of a number of top sides monitoring the situation of Leeds United star Crysensio Summerville ahead of the summer window.

Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund are big fans of the winger and are watching Leeds’ battle against relegation intently.

If Leeds are to be relegated, they will face a real battle to keep hold of the talent.

The Whites will be able to command a decent fee regardless of relegation, and I’m told it could take between £25-30million to prise Summerville away from Elland Road.

He is seen as a player with huge potential and fits the transfer strategy of both Newcastle and Dortmund.

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Summerville will be one to watch in this summer’s Under-21 European Championships with the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, winger Allan Saint-Maximin could depart St James’ Park this summer.

Sources tell me the player himself could look to leave Newcastle amid concerns over his decrease in playing time.

There has been interest from Italian giants AC Milan, and clubs from all over Europe are ready to pounce if a deal is possible.

Competition for places is set to become very fierce at Newcastle with Champions League football potentially on the table, and I’m told Newcastle would consider parting with Saint-Maximin if they receive a suitable offer.

LEEDS UNITED

Along with Summerville, Leeds are likely to face a real battle to keep Wilfried Gnonto in the summer following his breakthrough season in England.

He is already regarded as a top player and has the potential to develop even further at just 19 years old.

There is interest in Italy thanks to his high profile in his home country – where he has been capped 10 times by Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini.

Premier League sides are also monitoring his progress and I’m told Leeds could be forced to part with the forward if they are relegated this season.

LIVERPOOL

Jurgen Klopp’s side are planning a huge overhaul of their squad this summer with up to five additions expected.

I’m told Liverpool could move for as many as three central midfielders as they brace for high-profile exits – which include the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner.

Centre-back has also been highlighted as an area needing improvement, with Klopp green-lighting a deal for a new defender in the off-season.

A new right-back is also on the agenda following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent move into a midfield role.

Sources tell me they are, however, unlikely to move for any forwards despite Roberto Firmino’s imminent departure.

Chief among Liverpool’s midfield targets is Mason Mount.

Liverpool are leading the way in the race to land him this summer – despite Chelsea’s attempts to persuade him to sign a new contract at the club.

Other clubs remain in the hunt for his signature, including Arsenal, Newcastle and Man United.

But the Reds are confident they remain at the head of the queue – even if it will take a big fee and salary package to lure him to Anfield.

CHELSEA

The Blues face a tough decision on the future of N’Golo Kante.

They will need to trim the squad and balance the books this summer but want to keep Kante at the club with his contract set to expire in June.

I’m told Chelsea feel there are other players they can offload in order to raise the funds required to green-light an extension for the 32-year-old.

Talks are ongoing between player and club, and sources say there are hopes of a new agreement soon.

Kante’s priority is to remain at Stamford Bridge, but he will have no shortage of takers at home and abroad if he is to end his affiliation with Chelsea this summer.

Meanwhile, the Blues are interested in Fulham star Joao Palhinha, who has been one of the outstanding performers in the Premier League since joining the Cottagers from Sporting CP last summer (2022).

BRIGHTON

Following successful negotiations with Evan Ferguson, the Seagulls will attempt to tie star man Kaoru Mitoma down to a long-term deal.

He has attracted interest with his performances but I’m told there is no rush from the player’s side to move on this summer.

The player is happy at the club and a new and improved contract for the winger is one of the Seagulls’ priorities in the off-season.

Brighton are aware they face a battle to keep hold of in-demand stars Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister this summer – and have no intention of losing a third key man.

There is also a very good chance of 31-year-old defender Joel Veltman extending his contract, I’m told.

His deal is currently set to expire in June but Brighton have a 12-month option they intend to activate.

Club and player will also hold talks over a new, longer-term deal after his impressive performances across Roberto de Zerbi’s defence this season.

Several clubs across Europe are hoping to land Veltman on a free transfer, but I’m told he is happy with life at Brighton.

FULHAM

The Cottagers are aware of growing interest in midfielder Joao Palhinha.

As aforementioned, the 27-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s outstanding performers in this campaign and is now attracting interest from England’s elite.

I’m told Tottenham, Chelsea and Man United are among several sides considering a summer move for the Portugal international.

Fulham are braced for offers but stand to make a hefty profit just a year after signing him for around £20million.

Sources tell me the Londoners want a fee in excess of £50million to part with Palhinha after he established himself as one of the best midfielders in the top flight.

Fulham will also have to act to tie Andreas Pereira down to a new long-term deal.

He has three years left on his current contract after signing last summer (2022) but I’m told he is already attracting interest in the Premier League and in Europe.

The 27-year-old has stepped up to become a key man for Marco Silva in his return to England.

Marco Silva‘s future as Fulham boss is also up in the air at present, with the former Everton manager having just 12 months left to run on his Craven Cottage contract.

I’m told talks over a new agreement are likely to intensify over the summer break, with all parties happy with the club’s situation at present.

There have been whispers of interest from managerless Tottenham, but nothing concrete has been presented to Silva – who has impressed since gaining promotion with Fulham last summer (2022).

He wants substantial backing in the transfer market from club chiefs this summer as the experienced boss plans another tilt at European qualification in the 2023-24 campaign.