SUNSPORT’S Alan Nixon is the Boss of Goss.
Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…
MAX EFFORT
EVERTON want Burnley’s centre-half Maxime Esteve — but will need to sell Jarrad Branthwaite.
French defender Esteve will be a big target for many clubs in the summer, whether Scott Parker’s side go up or not.
But the 22-year-old is rated in the £30million-plus class so David Moyes may need to balance their books.
Everton accept that Branthwaite, 22, will likely leave for financial fair play reasons this summer — but a £60m pricetag will fund two or three signings.
Everton are eyeing Rotherham teenager Harrison Duncan as one for the future.
Millers boss Steve Evans has had the 16-year-old centre-back on the bench in League One and he started in the EFL Trophy against Newcastle in October.
Toffees are keen to have a close look at the defender, who is in the John Stones mould.
And they may ask for him to spend some time with them.
Duncan has an amazing record at youth level, scoring 11 goals this season.
KOP SHOP FOR KOBEL
LIVERPOOL are taking a shock interest in Borussia Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.
Kop spies are hot on the trail of the Swiss international, 27, ahead of a summer move.
The Reds fear Alisson Becker will be tempted to leave Anfield by a lucrative deal.
They already signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, who arrives in July, but the Georgian has been in below average form for struggling Valencia in LaLiga.
He is still due to come but may not be first choice.
There will have to be a decision on Kobel soon as Chelsea and Barcelona have shortlisted him for a move too.
FOXES OSO KEEN
LEICESTER hope to make a £10million bid for red-hot Chile winger Dario Osorio.
The Foxes have tracked the international’s progress at Danish side Midtjylland and a work permit will not be an issue.
Osorio, 21, joined from Universidad de Chile in 2023 and fancies bigger things — with the Prem in his sights.
Leicester will still have a crack even if they do not stay up.
DERRY WELL
CHELSEA have their eyes on controversially raiding Crystal Palace for young winger Jesse Derry.
Derry can operate on either side and has been with the Eagles since he was a kid — his dad Shaun played and worked there.
But Derry Jr, 17, is out of contract in the summer — and Palace will only get minimal training compensation.
The Blues also signed Reggie Watson, son of Palace old boy Ben, when he was 14.
YOU WAT?
BRIGHTON plan to offer LESS for winger Tommy Watson at Sunderland.
Albion’s £8.5million-plus-extras January bid for Watson, 18, was turned down.
A smaller summer offer will follow as they are out of the frantic market.
And Watson may not even get a game to up his value.
WHICH top manager is giving all his players major concerns about his well-being?
The gaffer has been around for years but his team are now concerned he starts sentences but does not then complete them.
The situation is a bit more serious than just dressing-room banter and nobody is laughing.
Some have known the chief for years — and are feeling on edge about it.
WELL-WARNE
PAUL WARNE will be top of the list at Rotherham if manager Steve Evans cannot turn round their League One season.
Warne, 51, is still admired by the Millers from his previous spell in charge and knows the club inside out.
His reputation has not been hurt by his Derby spell.
WELL IN
LEYTON ORIENT have put a £250,000 pricetag on the head of their manager Richie Wellens.
Wellens, 44, is on the shortlist to take over at managerless Blackburn.
He has caught the eye during Orient’s surprise League One play-off bid this season
John Eustace quit Ewood Park for Derby last week.
And Rovers are due to meet candidates this week, including Gary O’Neil and some foreign hopefuls.
VALENTIN’S DAY
BRIGHTON will sell Argentinian left-back Valentin Barco for the right price.
Barco, 20, cost £7.8million from Boca Juniors in January 2024 but has failed to reach the levels wanted.
The wing-back spent the first half of this season on loan in LaLiga at Sevilla.
But he is now in the shop window with French club Strasbourg.
And the Seagulls are attempting to find him a permanent home.
SHOR THING
HUDDERSFIELD are keen to move for teenage midfielder Jackson Shorrocks.
The Blackburn academy youngster captains Rovers’ under-18 side but has been told he can leave Ewood Park.
And the Terriers will be first to have a look.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
