By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

31st Aug, 2023 | 6:32am

Pete O'Rourke column: Liverpool line up late forward deal, Wolves battle for Iheanacho, Man United's Todibo plan 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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WOLVES

Gary O’Neil’s side have Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho on their shortlist with the transfer deadline approaching.

Wolves want a striker before the window shuts, and have three other names on their list of targets.

The Molineux club’s Midlands location could give them the edge in the race for his signature, I’m told.

They will have to persuade Iheanacho to leave Leicester, where he has less than one year to run on his contract.

Sources say the Nigeria international is happy to run down his deal ahead of a free transfer exit in 2024.

Crystal Palace are also interested in Iheanacho, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Leicester are looking for around £15million for the ex-Man City man, and clubs are expected to test their resolve in the coming days.

Financial issues mean Wolves have had a tough summer but with Matheus Nunes edging closer to a move to Man City, they are expected to use some of those funds to strengthen.

O’Neil’s side want improvements at centre-back, in central midfield and in attack.

I’m told Nunes – who has stopped training at Wolves – is seen as a sacrifice to allow the new boss to strengthen the squad.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WOLVES NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

LEICESTER CITY

Iheanacho and Patson Daka could both depart the King Power Stadium in the final days of the window.

I’m told the Foxes will go back in for another striker if the duo leave, and had an interest in Joel Piroe before his Leeds move was confirmed.

Sources say Leicester are also on the hunt for more winger signings after losing the likes of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes this summer.

Enzo Maresca and his recruitment staff have players lined up if Daka and Iheanacho are to leave.

Bayern Munich could swoop for Wilfried Ndidi as a cheaper alternative to top target Joao Palhinha.

He has just one year left on his contract and wants to leave Leicester this summer.

Nottingham Forest are also interested as they target Premier League experience and dressing room characters.

His versatility is appreciated by both clubs as he is adept both in holding midfield and at centre-back.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEICESTER CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

CRYSTAL PALACE

My understanding is that Palace are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven wide forward Johan Bakayoko.

The 20-year-old is set to be one of the most in-demand players in the final days of the window.

Everton and Liverpool are both interested in a late move and are working on that after new discussions, while Burnley have seen two bids rejected – the last of which was worth around £17.2million.

However, a potential move could depend on PSV qualifying for the Champions League – with their play-off second leg against Rangers finely poised at 2-2.

I’m told any interested suitor would likely have to pay £25million to land him – with the player all set to stay in the Eredivisie if group stage qualification is achieved.

PSV will also be more susceptible to losing defensive midfield star Ibrahim Sangare if they fail to qualify.

West Ham and Nottingham Forest are both interested and likely to watch the Rangers game with a keen eye.

Sources say PSV would not let Sangare and Bakayoko depart in the same window.

Meanwhile, I’m told there is a big possibility of Jean-Phillipe Mateta moving on from Selhurst Park this week.

RB Leipzig are interested with manager Marco Rose a big fan of the Frenchman, who is keen to leave in search of more regular first-team football.

If he leaves, Palace will move for another striker – and Southampton’s Che Adams could be a name to keep an eye on with days left of the transfer window.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

EVERTON

The Toffees want to make further signings after wrapping up a deal for Beto.

I’m told they are ready to launch an assault for a goalscoring winger with Demerai Gray ready to quit the club before Friday’s (1 September) deadline.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE EVERTON NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

MAN UNITED

The Red Devils were waiting for Harry Maguire to leave before kicking off centre-back talks of their own.

Benjamin Pavard was a top target for Man United, I’m told, but has reached an agreement with Inter during the delay.

Maguire has now re-ignited talks with West Ham – who are now hopeful of doing a deal before Friday.

Man United would use any funds from his sale to sign a centre-back – and Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo is now the top target.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS