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Pete O'Rourke column: £70m+ Mitoma plan revealed, Liverpool in new Inacio swoop, Chelsea make Gallagher U-turn as talks open
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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BRIGHTON
The Seagulls are confident of getting a new contract over the line for star man Kaoru Mitoma.
Brighton are desperate to keep him at the club as he is a key player for Roberto De Zerbi and has under two years left to run on his current deal.
I’m told there will not be a release clause in any new deal as that is not how the south coast club do business.
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Moises Caicedo did not have a buyout clause to enable his Chelsea move, while Alexis Mac Allister was allowed to leave due to a verbal agreement with the club.
Brighton are happy to let players depart if their transfer values are met – and they will consider offers for Mitoma even if he signs a new deal.
I’m told they currently value the Japan international at £70million+, which would represent another huge profit on a player they brought to the club for £2.5million.
Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck is out of contract at the Amex Stadium at the end of the season.
He is starting to see his minutes shared with young duo Evan Ferguson and Joao Pedro, but is nonetheless a key player for Brighton.
De Zerbi calls on him for a lot of the big matches, and I’m told Brighton will plan contract talks with the 32-year-old before the new year.
He is still a key part of the side and is happy at the club – meaning a deal should be straightforward when all parties sit down for discussions.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE BRIGHTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
TOTTENHAM
Spurs could explore a move for Al-Ittihad outcast Jota in the January window.
His £25million Saudi Arabia move has not worked out at all so far, and he is now unregistered for the Saudi Pro League.
Ange Postecoglou is a big fan of his after their time together at Celtic, with the Australian bringing him to Parkhead on an initial loan in 2021.
I’m told if the player is ready to move in January, Tottenham could be among several top clubs ready to take him – with injuries to Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic likely to play a big part in that decision.
He could be one of the most sought-after and best-available players in the winter window.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN UNITED
The race is on for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, with the Red Devils widely reported to have scouted him in action in recent weeks.
There was interest in the summer from Liverpool and Newcastle, and that continues, while several other top European sides have also watched him.
I’m told Sporting are resigned to losing the 22-year-old in the near future, with a £52million release clause present in his most recently signed contract.
Man United are keen to add another centre-back to their ranks in January, but will need to sell fringe stars such as Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire to make a deal possible.
It will be difficult to pull off in the winter window, but United could be among a number of European sides to go back in for Inacio in 2024’s summer window.
Both Liverpool and Newcastle are in the market for centre-back reinforcements after failing to bolster their ranks in the most recent summer window.
I’m told the Magpies would prefer a right-sided centre-back, but Inacio can play on both sides despite being left-footed.
Liverpool wanted a left-sided defender in the summer but couldn’t strike the right deal and are thus still in the market.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
RANGERS
Frank Lampard is on the shortlist as the Glasgow giants search for a new boss following Michael Beale’s sacking.
He has been out of a full-time job since leaving Everton in January, but is keen to take charge at Ibrox – I’m told.
The legendary former England international wants to put right some of the wrongs of his previous jobs at Goodison Park and at Chelsea.
Sources say Lampard is definitely interested in the vacancy, but Rangers are yet to decide whether to move forward with him or explore other options.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE RANGERS NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
CHELSEA
Both Conor Gallagher and the Blues are now ready to open contract talks despite him coming close to leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer window.
He has less than two years remaining on his current Chelsea deal.
West Ham and Tottenham were both interested in taking the midfielder from their London rivals in the summer, but he now looks set to stay with the Blues for the long term.
I’m told Gallagher has done enough to impress Mauricio Pochettino and has become a regular starter under him, even wearing the armband for their most recent games in the absence of Reece James.
The England international has always been happy at Chelsea but was wary of a potential lack of game time.
As long as he is playing regularly, I’m told Gallagher will be more than happy to pledge his future to the club by signing a new deal.
Sources say he is now a big part of Pochettino’s plans going forward.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE CHELSEA NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS