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Pete O'Rourke column: Sullivan intervenes in West Ham bust-up, Chelsea's Maatsen plan revealed, Douglas Luiz could quit Aston Villa
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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CHELSEA
Crystal Palace are just one of the clubs interested in taking Lewis Hall on loan this summer – but are the favourites to land him.
The youngster made his breakthrough for the Blues last season, playing at left-back and in midfield – but is unlikely to get any game time under Mauricio Pochettino this term.
But he is well-liked by Pochettino and is rated very highly by club chiefs at Stamford Bridge.
I’m told they are therefore opening talks with Hall over a new contract before he heads out on loan – with his current deal set to expire in June 2026.
Meanwhile, Ian Maatsen has impressed Pochettino with his pre-season performances and he is set for a role in the first-team this term.
He was on loan at Burnley last season and they wanted to take him permanently – but have already seen a £15million offer rejected this summer.
I’m told Chelsea are keen to tie him down to a new contract as he has less than 12 months left to run on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
Maatsen has proved his versatility with first-class displays at left-back and in a more advanced midfield role during the off-season.
Meanwhile, an exit for Trevoh Chalobah is set to accelerate following the signing of Axel Disasi and a new deal for Levi Colwill.
Sources say Crystal Palace are interested in his services, while Everton and West Ham are also ready to launch a move.
However, Chalobah is the subject of long-term interest from Inter Milan – and there are likely to be more top European clubs ready to swoop.
Chelsea are ready to step up their interest in Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as they are set to miss out on top target Mohammed Kudus – who is closing in on a move to Brighton.
However, there are question marks about Olise’s fitness. He is set to be out until September with an injury he picked up with France at the Under-21 European Championships.
The deal for Hall will be separate from any potential move for the winger – who has a £35million release clause in his Palace contract.
Sources say Man City are also ready to join the fight for Olise as they target a replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
Palace are desperate to keep hold of the former Reading star but could be powerless if an interested side activates his release clause.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE CHELSEA NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
WEST HAM
It has been a frustrating summer for the Irons, who are still yet to make a summer signing despite selling Declan Rice.
There is ongoing tension between manager David Moyes and director of football Tim Steidten, who have differing opinions about the direction of West Ham’s transfer business.
I’m told Moyes wants more tried and tested Premier League players – while Steidten is keen to add younger signings who have the potential to provide more resale value.
My understanding is that co-owner David Sullivan has now intervened and has now taken a hands-on role in recruitment.
He is keen to get things moving and sources say he is already making inroads – and the Irons are now expected to step up their interest in their top targets.
One of those targets is Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez – who is seen as the replacement for Rice.
They saw a bid of £30million rejected but have quickly increased that offer and are now closing in on his signature.
Steidten has pushed this deal along but I’m told Moyes would also be happy to make Alvarez a part of his squad for the upcoming season.
The Mexico international is very keen on moving to the Premier League despite a collapsed move to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the window.
West Ham are also set to step up their interest in a new striker signing after Gianluca Scamacca’s exit to Atalanta.
It is a priority for both Steidten and Moyes with the 2023-24 campaign just days away.
I’m told Dominic Solanke is among their top targets, but they are unlikely to find the right fee to persuade Bournemouth to let him go.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
WOLVES
As we revealed in May, there were doubts over Julen Lopetegui‘s future at Molineux long before he finally left.
The Spaniard had been frustrated at the lack of funds available to him after seeing a number of top players leave already this summer.
I’m told Lopetegui feels they are in for a really tough season if more signings aren’t made – but instead, Wolves are looking to sell more players in the next few weeks.
The ex-Sevilla man feels this isn’t the project he signed up for last year and, as a result, he opted to walk away from the club on the eve of the new season.
One incoming Wolves are keen on is West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell.
The Midlands club saw a £2.5million bid rejected weeks ago, with the Irons set to hold out for a fee of £4million for the 33-year-old.
Finances are still a big issue for Wolves – but I’m told they expect to get a deal over the line as they feel his experience could be crucial this term.
West Ham are in the market for a left-back regardless of the status of Cresswell’s potential exit.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WOLVES NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
ASTON VILLA
The Midlands giants are keen on a deal for Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, I’m told.
Sources say Villa see the midfielder’s release clause of between £20-25million as a bargain deal – and want to add him to their squad despite already having several options in his position.
I’m told his potential arrival could soften the blow of a potential exit for Douglas Luiz – who is a target for Tottenham and Arsenal.
Villa are set to face competition from Chelsea for Adams – with the Blues ready to make their move for the United States international.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE ASTON VILLA NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN CITY
Pep Guardiola’s side have been widely linked with Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma in the past week.
I’m told that while a move cannot be ruled out, the Seagulls are likely to put up a huge fight to keep the Japan international at the club.
He was one of the best wingers in the Premier League last season – and Brighton are reluctant to lose three of their best players with Alexis Mac Allister gone and Moises Caicedo inching closer to the exit.
Sources say it will take a huge fee for City to land Mitoma – and Roberto De Zerbi is keen to keep him at the club.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS