By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

20th Aug, 2023 | 8:00pm

Pete O'Rourke column: Leeds United work on Sargent deal, Liverpool lined up Doucoure deal, Burnley close in on £25m striker

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 have drawn up a striker shortlist with Rodrigo gone and Patrick Bamford still out injured.

Norwich City star Josh Sargent is a name they are considering, with manager Daniel Farke the one to bring him to Carrow Road two years ago.

The American connection is also likely to be a factor, with the 49ers keen to capitalise on the commercial opportunities a potential deal could bring.

However, Norwich are reluctant to lose the 23-year-old – but I’m told it wouldn’t take a huge fee to prise him away.

Sources say the player is attracted by the possibility of reuniting with Farke and a deal is viewed as of Sunday evening as highly possible.

Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer has also been identified as a possible target.

However, his £20million price tag is seen as prohibitive and Premier League competition has emerged in the race for his signature.

The Whites also want a left-back and central midfielder this summer.

Meanwhile, Illan Meslier could still go – with Leeds happy to let him go for the right offer.

Nothing has materialised so far, with all parties happy to keep playing in order to put the shot-stopper in the shop window.

He is the subject of background interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich but is towards the bottom of their respective shortlists.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEEDS NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

BURNLEY

The Clarets have had a busy window but they aren’t done quite yet.

I’m told Vincent Kompany wants to bring in a prolific new goalscorer – and feels it is crucial to his side securing Premier League survival.

They are looking at several potential targets and money has been set aside for a new arrival.

Sources say Burnley are ready to spend between £20-25million on a new striker.

Meanwhile, they have moved on from last season’s fan favourites Nathan Tella and Ian Maatsen.

Kompany was keen to keep the duo at Turf Moor but they have been priced out of a move for both players.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE BURNLEY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

LIVERPOOL

The Reds still want another midfielder after sealing a deal for Wataru Endo.

I’m told Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure is still high up on their list after Football Insider revealed initial interest earlier this summer.

He fits the bill as a defensive midfielder, but sources say Palace could ask for £70million to part with the Mali international. As of Sunday night, this deal is still alive and Liverpool’s interest is concrete.

Interest in Fulham star Joao Palhinha has stalled after he suffered a shoulder injury in pre-season, while Bayern Munich are unwilling to sell Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch this summer.

A left-sided centre-back is still a priority for Jurgen Klopp after missing out on Micky van de Ven to Tottenham.

The Reds are also set to miss out on Goncalo Inacio after he signed a new Sporting CP contract.

Per Schuurs of Torino is a long-term target and could now come back on Liverpool’s radar.

Countryman and Reds captain Virgil van Dijk is well aware of his talents and they could land him for just £30million, I’m told.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LIVERPOOL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

ARSENAL

The Gunners had been open to Kieran Tierney leaving prior to Jurrien Timber’s serious knee injury.

However, he could now stick around at the Emirates Stadium after interest from Newcastle evaporated.

Celtic could now be the only avenue open to the left-back but they are unlikely to have the financial clout to do a deal.

Arsenal are only likely to accept a permanent offer for Tierney if he is to depart, I’m told.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE ARSENAL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

MAN UNITED

Potential exits for Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire breaking down means they can’t strengthen their side in the final weeks of the window, I’m told.

They still want a defender and a midfielder but won’t be able to afford a deal for the likes of Sofyan Amrabat without selling players.

Benjamin Pavard was a defensive target, but Inter Milan have now jumped to the head of the queue for his signature.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS