By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

12th Oct, 2023 | 8:23pm

Pete O'Rourke column: Man United open Wan-Bissaka talks amid surprise twist, Liverpool work on 2024 signing, major update on Openda race

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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SUNDERLAND

Jack Clarke‘s early season form has attracted more Premier League interest.

Sunderland kept firm in the summer amid interest from newly-promoted Burnley and want to keep him again past the January window.

He is a key part of Tony Mowbray’s plans, but the Black Cats are braced for interest in Clarke in the winter window.

Clarke has scored seven goals in 11 Championship appearances this term and I’m told both Burnley and Brentford are considering moves.

Sunderland turned down a bid of just over £10million in the summer window – and sources say they will hold out for around £15million with his contract running until 2026.

It would represent a huge profit on a player they brought to the Stadium of Light for just under £1million in 2021.

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LIVERPOOL

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie‘s agent has confirmed talks with the Reds about a possible move for the defender.

He claimed a deal will cost no less than £43million in the January window.

However, I’m told that despite Liverpool’s willingness to bring in a left-sided defender – they are not likely to splash out for Hincapie in the next window.

They showed interest in the Ecuador international in the summer but were shut down by Leverkusen.

Liverpool are instead set to move for Fluminense midfielder Andre once again in January – and are not likely to bolster both positions.

They are in pole position to agree a deal for Andre although they do face competition from other leading clubs. Liverpool have already submitted a big offer but Fluminese didn’t want to sell in the summer. This will heat up again soon.

As such, sources say a deal for Hincapie may have to wait until the summer of 2024 – with his £43million price tag seen as too rich for the Merseysiders at present.

Liverpool also have other targets in the centre-back area.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LIVERPOOL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

MAN UNITED

Jadon Sancho is still yet to make an apology to Erik ten Hag and is therefore still in limbo at Old Trafford.

I’m told Man United are open to letting him leave on loan in January following his high-profile bust-up with Ten Hag.

Juventus and Dortmund have been linked with a potential move, while Saudi Arabian outfits could revive their interest after making approaches in the summer.

Allowing him to leave temporarily is likely to mean a big decision for Ten Hag about his reintegration into the squad at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Meanwhile, Man United are currently in talks with Aaron Wan-Bissaka about a new contract.

He is currently out of contract at the end of the season, but United have a one-year extension clause as part of that deal.

However, I’m told the two parties are in talks over a completely new deal for the right-back.

He looked set for an exit 12 months ago after being frozen out of the side, but has won his place back under Ten Hag.

Talks are now ongoing over a new long-term deal with Wan-Bissaka now seen as integral to the Dutchman’s plans.

Anthony Martial is also out of contract in 2024 and also has a one-year extension clause.

There was interest in the summer window, I’m told, but a move failed to materialise.

Sources say Martial is not happy to play a backup role in the Man United side and the feeling is now that the time is right for him to find a new club.

The Red Devils could exercise his one-year extension to protect his value, before trying to find him a new club in the January and summer windows next year.

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CHELSEA

The Blues are just one side to be linked with RB Leipzig star Lois Openda, with Man United and Liverpool also reportedly keeping tabs on his progress.

Leipzig beat off strong competition to sign the forward in the summer from Ligue 1 side Lens.

The Bundesliga outfit are not ready to entertain any offers for the striker in January after losing the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku in the summer.

They want to build their side around Openda and a move will therefore not be possible in January – although the door could open in the summer of 2024 if his good form continues.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE CHELSEA NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS