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Alexis Mac Allister’s name keeps creeping up ahead of the summer transfer window. Manchester United are reportedly interested in the Argentine and another impressive Brighton star.
BRIGHTON PAIR WANTED AT UNITED
Manchester United have sorely missed Casemiro whenever he has been unavailable this season. His importance is pretty concerning and it would not be surprising to see the Red Devils sign a new defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is one of the best in the Premier League in that area of the pitch and would be an excellent signing for any club. His age (21), desire to move to a bigger club and the fact he is proven in Our League are all huge positives and despite the fact he recently signed a new contract, the Ecuadorian is expected to be aggressively sought after at the end of the season.
Another Brighton star attracting interest is World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and United have all been linked in recent months and according to The Telegraph, Erik ten Hag’s side have added him and Caicedo to their summer shortlist.
‘Along with a striker’, United are ‘prioritising’ the signing of a midfielder. It is noted that Arsenal tried to sign Caicedo in January – with the player very keen to join the Gunners – but are expected to pursue West Ham captain Declan Rice ahead of the 21-year-old.
Both Brighton midfielders are ‘likely to be valued in excess of £70m’.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong gets a mention after United’s failed pursuit last year. The signing of the Dutch playmaker remains unrealistic it seems.
INTER LIKELY TO SELL STAR MAN
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has been linked with a move to Liverpool for quite some time and the Italy international could be available for €50m (£44m) in the summer transfer window, according to Calciomercato.
This is a fairly decent price for someone of Barella’s quality. Especially when he is under contract at the San Siro until 2026 and was valued at €70-75m less than two months ago. The report says Inter’s stance is a ‘shock’ with Chelsea and Liverpool ‘monitoring’ the player’s situation.
Barella is apparently making himself a ‘protagonist’ which has been evident from spats on the pitch with teammates and it feels like it would be easy for Inter to ‘give up on him’, but they obviously know how talented he is, and how important he was in their 2021 Serie A title triumph.
Chelsea are yet to agree a new contract with N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount so could be in the market for a midfielder, especially after the January sale of Jorginho.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are expected to invest heavily at the end of what has been a bitterly disappointing season, and the signings of two top-class midfielders seem imperative. Jude Bellingham is obviously their number-one target, but the Reds are not expected to qualify for the Champions League, which could seriously hinder their chances of signing the England star, and/or Barella.
The Blues are in a similar situation. They could miss out on Europe altogether. However, unlike Liverpool, they have shown no reluctance whatsoever to spend big on new players and can offer huge wages and long-term contracts.
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RAYA MAKES CONTRACT DECISION
A lot of Brentford’s success under Thomas Frank is down to their ability to be press resistant and play out from the back, which has been made possible by goalkeeper David Raya. Unfortunately for the Danish manager, he is set to lose the Spaniard this summer, or in 2024 when his contract expires.
Goalkeepers with Raya’s ability with the ball at their feet are gold dust in the modern game and it is no surprise to see a host of top clubs linked with him. Manchester United and Tottenham both need a new No. 1; especially the latter. Hugo Lloris’ contract expires in 2024 and has shown plenty of signs that he is past his best. The signing of his replacement should be a top priority for whoever takes on the unfortunate role of manager/head coach.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Raya will not sign a new contract after turning down multiple offers. Brentford will ask for €40m with ‘many important clubs monitoring’ him.
Raya is ‘hoping’ to join a top club. As mentioned prior, he is being linked with United and Spurs, while Chelsea are also believed to be interested.
