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Pete O'Rourke column: Man United deal hits stumbling block, Leeds United triple swoop, Everton let big name go
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
Mason Mount is now inching closer to an Old Trafford move.
Personal terms have been settled with the 24-year-old, but I’m told agreeing a fee with Chelsea remains the sticking point.
Sources say a price tag of around £60million is most likely – with the England international set to earn around £200,000-a-week with the Red Devils.
Man United are confident of getting the deal over the line despite the hold up as Erik ten Hag really wants him in his midfield for the 2023-24 season.
Chelsea refused to budge in contract negotiations and make him one of their highest earners – and I’m told Champions League football was a big factor in him choosing Man United over Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Fred has been the subject of reported interest from Fulham.
Man United are in no rush to push him out of the door after one of his best seasons in their colours.
I’m told if the right offer comes in then they will consider it – but they are likely to leave the final decision with the player.
If he wants to leave, they will be open to allowing a move but are also happy to keep him as part of their squad, sources tell me.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS
LEEDS UNITED
My understanding is the Whites will be busy in the upcoming transfer window following relegation to the Championship.
I’m told the main priorities for the off-season will be signing new faces at left-back, in central midfield and in attack.
The Yorkshire giants feel they will have to strengthen the squad if they are to make a return to the Premier League – and money will be available.
Player sales will also serve to boost the transfer kitty for Leeds.
The Whites are leaning towards handing a new deal to midfielder Adam Forshaw, who has a 12-month option in his current contract – which is set to expire later this month.
His performances in the final weeks of the 2022-23 season caught the eye, and club chiefs believe his Championship experience will be a real asset.
I’m told club and player are set to sit down for talks soon about the prospect of extending his Elland Road stay.
There have been reports of a relegation release clause in the contract of Brenden Aaronson.
I’m told the player himself wants to move on after relegation, but there is unlikely to be interest in the Premier League.
A switch to the Bundesliga could be an option, with German clubs holding him in high regard after his time in Austria with RB Salzburg.
Sources tell me Leeds could be open to loaning the 22-year-old out in the summer window, in the hopes of raising his value with an impressive spell away from Elland Road.
A temporary exit would also allow Aaronson to return to Yorkshire if Leeds can secure an immediate return to the top flight.
Tyler Adams is another Whites star keen to continue his career at the highest possible level.
Bundesliga and Premier League clubs are likely to move for the 24-year-old – but I’m told it will take a big-money fee to prise him away due to his long-term contract.
Leeds confirmed the exit of Sam Allardyce on Friday, meaning they will be on the hunt for a new man in time for the 2023-24 season.
Carlos Corberan will be on the radar due to the links between him and the club after his time as a coach under Marcelo Bielsa.
I’m told West Brom are braced for an approach from Leeds amid a backdrop of financial difficulties at The Hawthorns.
The Whites’ club statement revealed they are looking for a “head coach” figure rather than a traditional manager figure like Allardyce – a potential hint that they could swoop for Corberan.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEEDS UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
SHEFFIELD UNITED
The Blades are considering a move for Wolves’ Conor Coady following their promotion.
Everton have chosen not to activate their reported £4.5million option to sign the 30-year-old permanently, and I’m told Wolves could in fact accept a cut-price fee for their former captain this summer.
Sheffield United are looking to add to their squad and want Premier League experience – and sources tell me he would be interested in a move.
He had a previous loan spell at Bramall Lane during their time in League One.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE SHEFFIELD UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
EVERTON
Even after exits for Coady and Yerry Mina, there is not likely to be the funds available for a big centre-back signing at Goodison Park this summer.
I’m told Sean Dyche will have to wheel and deal in order to strengthen his side in the transfer window.
Jarrad Branthwaite is set to return from his season-long loan at PSV Eindhoven in time for pre-season.
There has been interest in signing him from other clubs, but sources say he could get a chance to stake his claim for a starting centre-back role in the 2023-24 season.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE EVERTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Forest held a big summit in London earlier last week to discuss their summer transfer plans.
I’m told owner Evangelos Marinakis, manager Steve Cooper and several key recruitment staff were present – and another big summer of ins and outs are expected at the City Ground.
Sources say money is available to spend and the ambition is there – with Forest already eyeing several top-bracket deals.
The Midlands club are hoping to get a deal over the line for goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
I’m told they have put a deal on the table with Man United and are hopeful of making him a Forest player for the 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, Cooper and Forest are open to offers for striker Emmanuel Dennis this summer following his disappointing first 12 months at the City Ground.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NOTTINGHAM FOREST NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS