By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

11th Sep, 2023 | 6:54am

Pete O'Rourke column: Liverpool race to sign Kelly, Chelsea in £70m+ Toney move, Wolves moves for two midfielders revealed

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

My understanding is that the Blues intervened to stop Habib Diarra leaving Strasbourg for Wolves in the summer window.

I’m told Chelsea keep an eye on the Ligue 1 side’s top talents with Todd Boehly’s BlueCo consortium owning both sides.

The Londoners see Diarra as a potential star and are now keeping close tabs on his development at Strasbourg.

Sources say he could be a player who moves to Stamford Bridge sooner rather than later – and a move to Wolves would have made is more difficult to land him.

The relationship between Chelsea and Strasbourg is expected to mean players will move in both directions in the near future.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are interested in a possible January move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

I’m told there was no chance of a move in the summer window with his gambling ban running until 17 January.

He returns to training at Brentford later this month.

Sources say the Bees would be reluctant sellers and are likely to ask for a fee of around £70million.

Chelsea will face competition for the England international’s signature in the winter window.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE CHELSEA NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

FULHAM

Wolves were also in for Cottagers midfielder Harrison Reed in the final days of the summer window.

My understanding is that they saw a £3million bid for the midfielder rejected as they searched for potential Matheus Nunes replacements.

Fulham are now very keen to keep the ex-Southampton man at the club, with his current contract set to expire in June 2024.

I’m told talks over a new deal are coming, and he’d likely be very happy to extend his stay at Craven Cottage if a suitable offer arrives.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE FULHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

As reported last month, Joe Worrall has now wrapped up a new three-year contract at the City Ground.

He was in the final year of his contract and Forest feared he may run down that deal amid interest from elsewhere.

The centre-back and captain has landed a significant pay rise on his current £15,000-a-week terms.

Forest are also considering offering right-back Serge Aurier a fresh deal.

His current contract is set to expire in June 2024 but could get a reward for his good form so far this season.

He has become a key man for Steve Cooper’s side despite competition coming in the form of Gonzalo Montiel and Ola Aina.

Talks could open before the New Year, when Aurier is able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NOTTINGHAM FOREST NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

EVERTON

The Toffees have been busy offloading a number of players who are out of favour under Sean Dyche, with Demarai Gray joining the exodus in the past few days.

I’m told Andre Gomes could now become the latest star to go.

He is a big earner at Goodison Park, reportedly raking in more than £110,000-a-week, and getting him off the books would provide a Financial Fair Play benefit – even if he is out of contract in 2024.

Gomes spent last season on loan at Lille but didn’t do enough to earn a permanent move – and now doesn’t feature in Dyche’s plans.

Everton are actively working on moving him on with the Turkish window open and likely his last possibility to seal a move away before January.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE EVERTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

MAN UNITED

Donny van de Beek is in a similar position to Gomes at Old Trafford.

There will be options for him in Turkey, where the window doesn’t shut until 15 September.

The Netherlands international did have options elsewhere in Europe which he failed to take up before the English window shut.

A potential Lorient switch fell through, while there was also interest from Real Sociedad.

Man United are keen to move Van de Beek on to free up squad space and wages, and also believe a move is for the best at this stage of the 26-year-old’s career.

I’m told the likes of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are monitoring his situation.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

BOURNEMOUTH

The Cherries could be forced to cash in on defender Lloyd Kelly in January.

Several clubs, led by Liverpool, are on high alert with the 24-year-old’s contract set to expire in June 2024 – and therefore he is able to discuss a pre-contract from foreign sides from New Year’s Day.

Tottenham are keen on the defender and Liverpool considered a summer move as they looked to land a left-sided centre-back. They are now looking at a January deal for a player who will be available for a bargain fee.

Newcastle are also in the mix with Eddie Howe a big fan of Kelly after their time together at Bournemouth.

The south coast club could be forced to let the ex-England Under-21 international leave for a cut-price fee in January.

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