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Pete O'Rourke column: Bayern Munich want Tottenham ace Dier, Liverpool in fight for £30m+ Leeds sensation Gray, Antony to quit Man United?
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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TOTTENHAM
Bayern Munich are looking into Eric Dier’s situation at Spurs, I’m told.
He is coming into the final six months of his deal and no progress has been made over a potential new contract.
My understanding is that it is now likely he will leave in January or next summer on a free transfer.
Bayern are keen on him because of his versatility in two positions – defensive midfield and centre-back, both positions Thomas Tuchel’s side are keen to bolster.
Dier is on the list of January targets at the Allianz Arena and it could be a relatively cheap deal with his contract situation meaning it is Tottenham’s last chance to cash in.
Spurs would not sanction a loan deal as I’m told they want a fee for the England international.
He is needed right now with injury to Micky van de Ven and suspension for Cristian Romero, but it is clear Tottenham want a new centre-back in January.
My understanding is that Dier would be seriously interested in a move to Bayern, and he could be allowed to make that move if a new signing is secured early in the January window.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
BRIGHTON
The Seagulls are plotting a move for FC Copenhagen sensation Roony Bardghji.
He raised his exposure with the winner for the Danish side against Man United last week and is a very highly-rated 17-year-old winger.
The Sweden Under-21 international is being monitored by several top European and Premier League sides.
However, I’m told Brighton feel they could offer him a pathway to regular first-team football in England and see him as someone with huge potential.
Copenhagen aren’t keen on losing him but are aware of growing interest in his services – and could ask for a fee of around £30million plus add-ons based on his lofty potential.
Bardghji has already notched 11 goals in 24 games this season – including that famous winner against United.
Meanwhile, Evan Ferguson has been brought in line with other top-earning Brighton stars with his new contract.
He only signed his previous deal in April but the Seagulls always planned to reward him again if his meteoric rise continued – which it has.
He’s seen as a superb talent by club chiefs – and top Premier League and European sides are weighing up a swoop in the near future.
Man United are big admirers of his talents, while Chelsea are well-informed about his talents due to the Brighton connections behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE BRIGHTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
LIVERPOOL
The Reds have been widely linked with a move for Leeds United starlet Archie Gray.
However, I’m told Liverpool are not likely to be the only ones interested in the 17-year-old – with other top Premier League sides monitoring his situation.
Crystal Palace have watched the teenager in action on multiple occasions.
Sources say Leeds won’t consider selling in the immediate future as they want to build towards promotion back to the Premier League.
Gray is likely to command a fee above £30million – and that is a figure Liverpool are not willing to pay in January.
Leeds are doing everything they can to tie the youngster down to a longer deal and contract talks could begin soon with his current agreement up in June 2025.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LIVERPOOL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN UNITED
Antony has been widely linked with a potential exit with his sub-par form continuing at Old Trafford.
However, I’m told Man United are not ready to give up on the winger so soon after signing him for big money from Ajax.
Manager Erik ten Hag remains a huge fan of the Brazil international and is not ready to let him leave the club in January.
Sources say Antony is likely to stay while teammate Jadon Sancho inches closer and closer to a January exit.
United are short of attacking options and an exit for Sancho means they are not willing to leave themselves short by also parting with Antony.
However, I’m told there could be scope for a potential parting of the ways next summer – once incoming owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is established at the club.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
NEWCASTLE
The Magpies have been decimated by injuries and it showed in their defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday (11 November).
I’m told Eddie Howe and his recruitment staff are now looking at all available options ahead of the January transfer window.
Newcastle are desperate not to see their season unravel due to their extensive list of unavailable players, which includes banned midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Tonali’s absence means midfield is still the priority ahead of the January transfer window.
However, additions at centre-back and striker are now also being explored – with loan deals most likely due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NEWCASTLE UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS