{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Pete O'Rourke column: Rangers accelerate two January signings, major update on Cooper's Nottingham Forest future, West Ham could accept Benrahma offer
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.
Follow Football Insider on Twitter to see the latest news as it breaks!
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
I’m told the pressure is on for Forest boss Steve Cooper following the 3-2 loss against Brighton on Saturday (25 November).
The City Ground outfit now have just one win in their last nine games and are eight points above the relegation zone.
It is my understanding that hugely ambitious owner Evangelos Marinakis wants the club to finish in the top half of the table this season.
I’m told the Everton clash this Saturday (2 December) is regarded as a massive game behind the scenes – even if nothing immediate is likely to happen in terms of a potential sacking if the result goes against Forest.
Cooper, Marinakis and the club’s recruitment staff are starting to draw up plans for the January transfer window.
I’m told Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy is attracting interest from both Forest and Crystal Palace ahead of the new year.
Both clubs are looking to bolster their attacking options and have made enquiries about his price and availability.
However, my understanding is that it will be a hard deal to do as Murphy is happy at Newcastle despite his limited role.
The Magpies are also unlikely to entertain bids for the winger considering their vast injury problems at present.
It could take a bid of £20-25million to prise him away from St James’ Park, where he is under contract until 2027.
Cooper will be backed in the transfer market if he stays in charge – and Marinakis has always given him the funds needed to operate.
Taiwo Awoniyi has recently undergone groin surgery and will be out long-term – meaning Forest are set to move for a striker in January.
The sale of Brennan Johnson in the summer could provide the funds needed to do that business, and I’m told Wolfsburg striker Jonas Wind is one name on the shortlist.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NOTTINGHAM FOREST NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
WEST HAM
Said Benrahma is reportedly a target for top Saudi Pro League clubs and I’m told the Irons could consider cashing in on the forward.
He has started just four of West Ham’s 13 Premier League games this term and wants more first-team football.
Benrahma fits the profile for several top Saudi clubs ahead of the January window and if they were to submit a big-money offer, sources say West Ham could allow the Algeria international to leave.
I’m told David Moyes’ side want a striker and left-back in January and selling Benrahma could help the Europa Conference League winners land their top targets in the new year.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
RANGERS
Philippe Clement has had a good impact at Ibrox since his arrival last month and has now had time to assess the squad.
He is yet to taste defeat in the hot seat at Rangers but wants to improve his options in January, with plans accelerating over two January signings.
I’m told a left-back will be on the shortlist in the new year, while he is also keen to add a goalscorer despite the summer signings of Danilo, Sam Lammers and Cyril Dessers.
Clement won’t be handed a huge budget by Ibrox chiefs and thus could need to draw on his wide network of Belgian connections to make deals happen.
The director of football search at the Glasgow club could also put moves for any top targets on hold until that situation is resolved.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE RANGERS NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN UNITED
Casemiro is likely to leave Old Trafford in 2024, I’m told.
It will be a hard deal to do for any European club considering the transfer fee and £300,000-a-week+ wages he would command.
Only Saudi Pro League clubs will likely be able to afford the 31-year-old in January – but I’m told he is more likely to depart in the summer window.
United are ready to let him go, and crucially Casemiro himself is open to leaving despite having two more years to run on his mega-money deal.
He has missed recent games through injury but could be kept out of the side longer-term following the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Everton on Sunday (26 November) but his future is not yet decided.
He is out of contract in June 2024 but United have the option to extend that deal a further 12 months.
United would be open to letting him go if a suitable offer arrives but would need to secure a replacement first.
If that doesn’t happen, the Red Devils could activate that extension to protect his value and prevent him leaving for free.
I’m told that if United were to bring in a marquee striker under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership next summer, Martial would be allowed to leave.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
LEEDS UNITED
I’m told the Whites are exploring Premier League loans to improve Daniel Farke’s squad in January.
The Yorkshire giants have two slots available in their matchday squad after doing temporary deals for Joe Rodon, Jaidon Anthony and Djed Spence in the summer.
They will also have a decent budget to do permanent deals in January and could boost their coffers by selling Crysencio Summerville or Wilfried Gnonto.
However, I’m told they are reluctant to lose either player – even if they will be resigned to losing them if their valuation is met.
Leeds recruitment staff are exploring potential loan deals in all positions at this stage to see where the squad could be improved.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEEDS UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS