By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

1st Oct, 2023 | 8:45pm

Pete O'Rourke column: Tottenham work on priority January sining, major update on Chelsea signing Osimhen, Branthwaite set for Everton talks

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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CHELSEA

The Blues could be the best-placed side to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen if he forces an exit next year.

Noise over a potential exit for Osimhen is increasing following the recent TikTok scandal involving the player, which saw his agent threaten legal action against the Naples club.

The Nigeria international is a long-term target for Chelsea, who wanted to sign him last summer, in January – and in the most recent summer window.

I’m told it will be a tough deal to do for Financial Fair Play reasons, but the chance to sign a player of his quality could be seen as too good to miss out on with Mauricio Pochettino’s side crying out for a striker at present.

Any move would be most likely to happen next summer, rather than January.

Osimhen will have 12 months remaining on his deal at the end of this season, when Chelsea could strike to land him at a cut-price.

Meanwhile, the Blues could explore a deal for a new left-back in January if they can get Marc Cucurella off the books.

Cucurella has fallen well down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following his failed Man United move in the summer.

Ben Chilwell’s injury problems are the subject of real concern behind the scenes at Chelsea – and the left-back is set for another spell out after picking up a fresh problem against Brighton.

The club’s owners are not afraid to spend big money and could do so again to give Pochettino a new left-back option in January.

Ian Maatsen is also an option for Chelsea, with the club still in talks with the Dutchman over a new deal.

He has less than 12 months to run on his current contract, with the Blues still fully expecting him to sign new terms in order to protect his value.

Burnley wanted to sign him on deadline day but he rejected the move after Vincent Kompany’s side saw a bid accepted.

Chelsea were willing to let him go for the right price in the summer but are now locked in talks with Maatsen over a renewal.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE CHELSEA NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

EVERTON

Jarrad Branthwaite has been a revelation for the Toffees in recent weeks, and I’m told they are determined to give him a new contract.

The centre-back, who has built a strong partnership with James Tarkowski, is out of contract in June 2025.

PSV Eindhoven were keen to sign Branthwaite after his successful loan at the Dutch giants last season, while Premier League clubs including Man United are also monitoring his situation.

I’m told the England Under-21 international is happy to pen a new deal as long as he continues to play regularly for Everton.

Sources say he isn’t in a rush to leave Goodison Park, where he is developing well – but there are top sides monitoring his progress.

Meanwhile, Sean Dyche could be given funds for the January window if the Everton takeover clears.

I’m told he is keen to add upgrades in the full-back areas as well as signing a new goalscoring winger following the departures of Alex Iwobi and Demarai Gray.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE EVERTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

TOTTENHAM

Eric Dier is not key to Ange Postecoglou’s plans despite his return to the bench for recent games against Arsenal and Sheffield United.

He had offers to leave in the summer window but instead chose to remain a Tottenham player.

Dier’s contract is up at the end of the season, and I’m told he intends to run down his deal and leave on a free.

However, Roma and Jose Mourinho have been linked with a potential January swoop for the centre-back – who is yet to play a minute this term.

Sources say he is likely to seriously consider that move if the Italian giants firm up their interest in the mid-season window.

This is Tottenham’s last chance to cash in on the England international before he leaves for free.

An exit for Dier would free up space in the squad and get a high earner off the books at Spurs.

As such, that could allow Postecoglou to bring in another centre-back option in January.

The Lilywhites were interested in signing more cover in the summer – with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba on the shortlist.

I’m told the desire remains for Postecoglou to bolster his defence in the next transfer window.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS