By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

23rd Oct, 2023 | 7:00pm

Pete O'Rourke column: Newcastle rip up January signing plan, Liverpool explore Musiala deal, Arsenal plot Andre hijack

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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RANGERS

Goalkeeper Jack Butland has been linked with the exciting Birmingham City project following Wayne Rooney’s recent appointment.

However, my understanding is that Butland is happy at Rangers and is enjoying life in Glasgow after his summer move.

He’s already become a key man for the Ibrox club and is making himself a firm fan favourite.

Rangers aren’t likely to entertain any offer at the moment and Butland is happy to stay – there’s no chance of a January move.

However, the Gers are already privately valuing the goalkeeper at more than £5million.

Butland signed on a free transfer in the summer window and is tied down to a long-term contract – meaning that valuation will only increase if his good form continues.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE RANGERS NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

CELTIC

Meanwhile, the Hoops are exploring goalkeeping reinforcements ahead of the January window.

Celtic looked at signing a shot-stopper in the summer but a move failed to materialise – and Brendan Rodgers is once again keen to add to his ranks in the winter window.

Joe Hart is the current first-choice between the sticks for the Hoops but is out of contract at the end of the season.

I’m told talks are ongoing about his future at Parkhead.

Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid has been linked with a possible Celtic switch, but sources say a deal for him is very unlikely.

Lunin is keen to move to the Premier League if he is to leave Real Madrid.

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MAN CITY

City and Liverpool are doing their due diligence on a potential deal for Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala, who is seen by their recruitment teams as a “superstar in the making”.

His contract is up in 2026 but speculation has been growing about a possible exit as talks open over a renewal.

I’m told the player has been frustrated about his lack of starts in Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice 11.

Both City and Liverpool are monitoring the situation, but Bayern have no plans to lose the 20-year-old and strengthen a European rival in the process.

Talks are ongoing over a new deal and the German giants remain confident of tying him down for the long term.

Meanwhile, I’m told there is no urgency to discuss a new deal for star man Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad Stadium.

The midfielder’s current terms are set to expire in June 2025 – but City want to keep him around for longer.

However, a new deal could depend on his injury record when the two parties sit down to discuss a renewal.

I’m told talks could take place in around 12 months’ time.

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NEWCASTLE

The Magpies are set to be forced into the market for a new midfielder with Sandro Tonali expected to be banned for a betting rules breach.

Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are now scouring the market with defensive midfield the top priority for the January window as they want to keep Bruno Guimaraes in a more advanced role.

They have admired Kalvin Phillips for a long time and considered a move for him when he was at Leeds United.

I’m told he would fit the bill for Newcastle – who have had their hand forced by the development with Tonali.

Meanwhile, sources say other targets – like a centre-back and young forward – will have to go on the backburner as the club rip up their original January plan and start again.

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LIVERPOOL

The Reds still believe they are in the driving seat to sign Fluminense midfielder Andre despite new interest from Arsenal.

Liverpool were frontrunners for the Brazil international during the summer window and saw a number of bids rejected for his services.

Arsenal have entered the race, but their interest is likely to hinge on potential departures for Jorginho or Thomas Partey in January.

I’m told the Gunners could step up that interest if either of the two midfielders move on.

Mikel Arteta’s squad boasts a huge Brazillian contingent as well as a Brazillian sporting director in Edu – who could prove key in persuading him to join the club.

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CHELSEA

I’m told an exit for Thiago Silva is the most likely outcome at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

His contract is up at the end of the season with the defender turning 39 last month.

He has never hidden his desire to return to Brazil and sources say Fluminense are ready to give him the opportunity to do so.

Silva is a big earner at Chelsea and club chiefs see now as a good time to get him off the wage bill.

He does not fit into the strategy of developing young talent and the club feel the likes of Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are more than capable of filling the centre-back roles going forward.

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