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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LEEDS UNITED
The Whites are adamant about keeping Wilfried Gnonto at the club despite Everton‘s strong interest.
Everton are the clear frontrunners and have had a £20million bid rejected, I’m told, but remain hopeful of landing him and are pushing hard to that end.
Meanwhile, Leeds want a fee of £25million to even consider selling the 19-year-old – who only joined 12 months ago.
Gnonto was left out in the cup during the week and didn’t play against Birmingham on Saturday (12 August), and sources say his absence is likely to be ongoing until a resolution is found.
Agreeing personal terms with Everton won’t be an issue for the youngster, who is on a relatively small wage at Elland Road.
Meanwhile, Leeds are ready to go back into the market for more defensive reinforcements despite recently wrapping up a loan deal for Joe Rodon.
Liam Cooper is set to miss at least two months through injury.
The Whites remain interested in both Nat Phillips of Liverpool and Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Man City – although I’m told it will take a big-money fee to land either player.
A new left-back and a signing in central midfield area also top priorities for Daniel Farke’s side.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEEDS UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
MAN CITY
The treble-winners are pushing really hard to sign West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, I’m told.
City have already seen a £70million offer for the Brazil international flatly rejected by the Irons.
However, I’m told that Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t been put off and are now expected to return with a new bid.
They have been encouraged by the fact that Paqueta is very interested in the move, and are confident they can get a deal done in the next few weeks.
West Ham are in no rush to sell, sources say, and it could take a bid well in excess of £80million to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.
Paqueta is Guardiola’s number one target following the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan.
The Spaniard believes the midfielder can come straight into his star-studded side and perform.
Man City are, however, doing their due diligence on potential alternatives.
Michael Olise of Crystal Palace and Jeremy Doku of Rennes are among the names being considered – but they are confident of landing their first choice.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
WEST HAM
The Irons are expected to push hard for Man United’s Scott McTominay if Paqueta is to depart.
A sale would give them extra funds even after deals for Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse have been finalised.
I’m told West Ham would also be keen to test Chelsea’s resolve for Conor Gallagher if Paqueta exits. He has been a long-term target for David Moyes, and is also wanted by Tottenham.
However, Chelsea are in no rush to sell him and the player himself is keen to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place.
Mauricio Pochettino believes his squad is still too thin and an injury to Christopher Nkunku could complicate any potential West Ham swoop.
A striker is also on the list of priorities at the London Stadium once deals for Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire are wrapped up.
The Irons are scouring the market abroad but have also identified Folarin Balogun of Arsenal – though Gabriel Jesus’ injury could put the brakes on any move for him.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
WOLVES
New Molineux boss Gary O’Neil will have no funds available to him this summer and will instead have to wheel and deal to add new faces, I’m told.
O’Neil is well aware of the restrictions which caused his predecessor Julen Lopetegui to leave his post.
Wolves can only move for free transfers and loan deals this summer, sources say.
Their main priorities are to add a striker, winger and central midfielder but that could prove hard with the restrictions in place.
There are also concerns about letting more top players go, with Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins and Raul Jimenez already among those departing this summer.
Offers have arrived from Napoli for centre-back and new captain Max Kilman – and multiple other sides are looking at him.
I’m told Wolves fear they could be picked apart at knockdown prices with other sides aware of their struggles.
Sources say more activity is expected, both in and out, before the deadline next month.
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