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Pete O'Rourke column: Man United star Varane set for huge offer, big Ivan Toney update, Tottenham plot two January signings
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
The Red Devils and Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Lyon attacking midfield sensation Rayan Cherki.
Cherki, 20, is currently enduring a tough season with the Ligue 1 basement boys – where he has just 18 months left to run on his deal.
Both clubs are long-term admirers of the France Under-21 international and I’m told they see him as a potential star in the making.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have long been linked with Cherki and could enter the race if the opportunity arises.
They are well-stocked in the attacking midfield areas but their policy of signing young talent could mean they come in for the Lyon ace.
A fee of around £30-40million could land the Frenchman.
Meanwhile at Man United, I’m told interest from Saudi Arabia is expected in centre-back Raphael Varane.
Injuries have held him back since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2021, and that has continued into the 2023-24 campaign.
However, Erik ten Hag is keen to keep him at the club amid a lot of other injury problems at centre-back.
I’m told Varane is still seen as a regular starter despite his fitness issues.
My understanding is that there is still no panic over Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford.
Club chiefs are far from happy with recent results but the win over Fulham last week has increased confidence.
The Dutchman now faces a string of tough games in the coming weeks as United bid to keep their Champions League and Premier League dreams alive.
But there is not likely to be any knee-jerk reaction from the board which will see him lose his job in the near future.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
TOTTENHAM
Ange Postecoglou has hinted at January activity by saying the winter window is “important”.
I’m told Spurs are keen to build on their good start to the season with a selection of additions in the new year.
Sources say a defensive midfielder is likely to be on the agenda – especially if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg quits having come close to leaving in the summer.
A centre-back is also a key target for Postecoglou as he wants to add to his options following Micky van de Ven’s devastating injury.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are set to go head-to-head with the likes of Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal for Brentford star Ivan Toney.
There will be interest in January but I’m told a deal will be hard to do with the Bees set to demand a fee of around £70million.
Therefore, sources say a move in the summer window could be best for all parties.
Chelsea are really keen to land the England international, while Arsenal are not keen to pay over the odds and are prepared to walk away if the bidding exceeds their valuation.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
LEEDS UNITED
Wilfried Gnonto is not happy with his current situation at Elland Road, I’m told.
He played just one minute in last week’s win over Leicester and has started just one of the last four Championship games.
The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe and Dan James are keeping the Italy international out of the side at present – with Daniel Farke yet to see a reason to change his first-choice eleven.
My understanding is that there will be interest in Gnonto yet again in the January transfer window.
Leeds could sell the forward if the right offer arrives but are more than happy to stand firm with the 20-year-old on a long-term contract and promotion the key aim at Elland Road.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEEDS UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
NEWCASTLE
A stand-in for banned midfielder Sandro Tonali remains the top priority for the Magpies in the January window.
I’m told Newcastle could have the opportunity to take players on loan from the Saudi Pro League due to their ownership’s links.
Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is a long-term target for the Magpies, while Al-Ahli’s Gabri Veiga could also come on the radar.
Kalvin Phillips of Man City remains the top target ahead of January but the Saudi route is an option Newcastle are now exploring.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NEWCASTLE NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS