O’Rourke column: Fernandes to leave Manchester United, Newcastle United leading the chase for Everton star Amadou Onana?

Bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news along with updates from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership, and other leagues is my twice-weekly column, which is now in its current edition.

Amadou Onana

Although there was interest in the Everton midfield player during the January transfer window, the Merseysiders were unwilling to let him go and priced all teams out of a move.

According to sources, Newcastle United is now eager to pursue a summer transfer for the 22-year-old.

They consider the Belgium international, who they have assembled in-depth scouting reports, to be a true upgrade over their current midfield alternatives.

In the summer window, I anticipate Newcastle to pursue their interest in Onana.

Although they are considering a number of players, including Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, Arsenal is also interested in Onana, so he is not their primary goal.

According to sources, Newcastle is preparing a summer bid for the former West Ham target, who might fetch a lower price if Everton is demoted.

If all goes according to plan for the Toffees, they will request a price of between £50 and £60 million in exchange for Onana this summer.

Right now, Eddie Howe’s team is first in line for any possible deal.

Jarrad Branthwaite

There is a lot of interest in the Everton center back both domestically and internationally.

After returning from a loan at PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite has been a revelation for Sean Dyche’s team and is currently in the running for an England call-up.

Man United is reportedly huge fans of the 21-year-old and has set him as a long-term goal.

United is dominating the chase in England, but Real Madrid, the dominant team in La Liga, is reportedly keeping an eye on him as well.

According to what I understand, clubs looking to secure Branthwaite at a reduced price could launch a fierce competition for his signature this summer if Everton’s takeover falls through or if they are demoted to the Championship.

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Bruno Fernandes

The 29-year-old Man United star is the subject of big interest in the Saudi Pro League – with Al-Hilal among the sides keen on a potential move.

But, I’ve been informed that the Red Devils are convinced Fernandes will be content at Old Trafford, so they are not worried about losing their captain.

In the summer, they will meet to talk about his future with the team, and they may extend an offer for a long-term deal.

Although Fernandes’ current contract has two years left on it (plus an additional year’s option), United is keen to hold onto him.

The Portugal international, despite his recent problems under Erik ten Hag, is reportedly delighted at Old Trafford.

I’ve been informed, though, that he won’t likely get a huge wage boost because the club’s new part-owners, INEOS, want to cut expenses.

Jadon Sancho

In the meantime, a possible permanent Sancho contract has already been shot down by Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

Despite the fact that his value has decreased since joining United in 2021, I’m informed the Red Devils will still demand a sizable money in the summer.

Dortmund may find Sancho’s outrageous pay to be unaffordable.

According to sources, Man United may demand a chunk of money this summer to release Sancho, with that amount potentially increasing if the player does well on loan in Germany.

I’m told the England international could yet return to United if Erik ten Hag leaves the club.

Sancho’s future remains up in the air and my understanding is that no decision will be made until the summer.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino has acknowledged that his position at Chelsea is not secure, but from what I hear, he is not in immediate danger of losing his job.

The Blues’ Premier League ranking of 11th will put pressure on them, but the Stamford Bridge administration is hesitant to let him go after having three managers in a row.

Later this month, on February 25, Chelsea will play Liverpool in the League Cup final, and I’ve been informed that game will be crucial to Pochettino’s future.

The Blues fan base is already becoming increasingly irate, and if things don’t get better, the club’s management won’t think twice about changing things.

They say the money is there to entice Chelsea to choose a different elite manager.

Lloyd Kelly

The Bournemouth defender did not receive any serious offers during the January transfer window, but Kelly is in a good situation as his contract is about to expire.

I’m told the Cherries would really like to keep him, but he’s turned down a few fresh contract offers.

Since January 1st, Kelly has been permitted to sign a pre-contract deal with overseas teams. Teams in the German Bundesliga, AC Milan, Juventus, and other teams are eager to sign him for nothing.

The 25-year-old defender is reportedly taking his time deciding on his future, though.

Liverpool and Tottenham, who have long admired him, are keeping an eye on his circumstances in preparation for a potential free transfer raid later this year.

Erling Haaland

Amid rumors in the Spanish media, Pep Guardiola has denied any idea of Haaland possibly joining Real Madrid.

With three years remaining on his City deal, the 23-year-old is not a free agent, so the triple winners are not concerned about his departure just yet.

Haaland is reportedly content playing for Guardiola and has no immediate plans to leave.

Although there are rumors that contract negotiations are not about to happen, the talisman may meet this summer to chat about his future plans.

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O’Rourke column: Newcastle United lead race for Everton star Amadou Onana, Fernandes to quit Man United?