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Pete O'Rourke column: 'Huge' Harvey Barnes twist at Newcastle, Liverpool in new Romeo Lavia talks, London club swoop for Leeds star Rodrigo
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
The Magpies are pushing to get a deal done for Harvey Barnes.
There is lots of interest in the 25-year-old following Leicester’s relegation – and West Ham and Aston Villa are ready to rival Newcastle.
But Eddie Howe’s side have stepped up their interest, I’m told, as Barnes fits the profile they want due to his age and Premier League experience.
Champions League football will be a huge draw for the England international, while the project and prospect of playing under Howe is also attractive for the player.
However, sources say Newcastle will need to make room in their squad by offloading one of their existing first-team stars.
A sale would produce much-needed transfer revenue and boost the Magpies’ summer war chest.
Newcastle would be willing to sacrifice Allan Saint-Maximin to get a deal done for Barnes.
He has struggled for consistency, and I’m told Howe feels Barnes would be a better fit as he is already tried and trusted in the English top flight.
There is interest in Saint-Maximin from Saudi Arabian clubs, and Newcastle are ready to listen to offers.
I’m told other interest from around Europe is expected – with a deal likely to enhance the Magpies’ chances of landing Barnes.
Newcastle are also keen to add a left-back and centre-back to complete their summer business.
They’ve missed out on long-term target Antonee Robinson, who has signed a new long-term deal at Fulham.
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney is a real option and Newcastle are exploring a move with the Gunners, who held sit-down talks with him at the end of last week to discuss his future.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NEWCASTLE NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
SOUTHAMPTON
The Saints have asked about the possibility of taking Man United youngster Amad Diallo on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.
He is taking part in pre-season for the Red Devils, who will make a decision on his immediate future within the next few weeks – I’m told.
However, he is likely to find it hard to break into the first team at Old Trafford with Mason Mount coming in to bolster Erik ten Hag’s attack.
Ten Hag will have the final say on Diallo’s future and the ball is now in the Ivorian’s court – he must impress to stay at the club next season.
Southampton boss Russell Martin is a big admirer of his and feels the starlet can fire his new side back to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Sunderland would love to have Diallo back after his success at the club last season.
Premier League newcomers Burnley and Sheffield United are also monitoring his situation.
In terms of outgoings at Southampton – James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia are fully expected to return to the English top flight this summer.
West Ham and Fulham are keen on Ward-Prowse, while Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Lavia with concrete talks taking place over a potential deal. I’m told they continued at the weekend and the player is keen to move to Anfield but a deal is far from done at this stage.
The Saints are waiting to receive maximum value for two of their best players and are not feeling under any pressure to sell at this time.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE SOUTHAMPTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
FULHAM
Antonee Robinson has signed a new Cottagers deal despite a lot of interest in his signature in the last 12 months.
Man City, Newcastle, Wolves, AC Milan and Inter Milan had all been keen on landing the 25-year-old United States international.
But I’m told he is more than happy to stay at Fulham for now as they look to build on last season’s success.
Also set to sign renewed terms at Craven Cottage is veteran winger Willian.
His contract officially expired last week and he rejected Fulham’s first offer, but I’m told a compromise has been made and it looks like he will now extend his stay.
Talks are also ongoing with manager Marco Silva, who has one year left on his current deal.
Sources say Fulham are optimistic about tying him down to a new contract and talks will continue – with Silva’s future a key part of agreeing new deals for some of the club’s other top players.
There was concern about a mega-money Saudi offer, but Silva has rejected approaches from the Middle East.
A new striker is on the agenda for Fulham, even with top target Viktor Gyokeres set to go to Sporting CP.
I’m told they need to offload Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz to do any big business in the forward areas – and there has been no movement on that front yet.
The Cottagers have been linked with Leeds star Rodrigo Moreno – he is set to move on from Elland Road.
Rodrigo would tick a lot of boxes for Silva with his ability to play as a lone striker and in a number ten role – and the London outfit are monitoring his situation.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE FULHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS