By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

20th Jul, 2023 | 7:15am

Pete O'Rourke column: 'Huge' Liverpool midfielder update after overnight twist, Man City work on Riyad Mahrez replacement, Newcastle-Kvaratskhelia latest

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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LIVERPOOL

The Reds are plotting moves for several midfield options with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson closing in on moves to the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool’s transfer chiefs are drawing up a list of targets – and one name in the shortlist is Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, I’m told.

The Merseysiders like him after his good debut season at Palace, where he won their Player of the Season award.

He could replace Fabinho in that defensive midfield role, and sources say Liverpool are now exploring a potential move.

Doucoure only joined Palace last summer for £21million – and I’m told they will drive a hard bargain as they look to bank a big profit if he is to leave the club.

It could take a fee well in excess of £35million to prise him away from Selhurst Park. I’m told the latest overnight update is that the asking price is now £50m.

Liverpool were already short of midfielders with Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving at the end of their contracts.

The departures of Henderson and Fabinho will leave even further holes in Jurgen Klopp’s squad – and I’m told he would ideally like two more midfielders to arrive in what would both be huge deals.

A potential exit for Thiago Alcantara has been put on hold – with interest from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia having to wait for now.

An exit can’t be ruled out with the finances on offer in the Middle East, but Liverpool will need to add new options in their midfield before considering any offers.

I’m told his age and injury problems mean the Reds will consider letting Thiago go if the circumstances are right.

Centre-back arrivals are also a priority for Liverpool – and I’m told they are still interested in Levi Colwill despite Chelsea’s reluctance to let him go.

The Reds could also sign right-back cover with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to move into a midfield role long-term.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LIVERPOOL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

BOURNEMOUTH

The Cherries are exploring an ambitious move for highly-rated Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.

Club scouts watched the 18-year-old in action at the recent Under-19 European Championships and left impressed with his performances.

I’m told it is likely he will move on following Valladolid’s relegation from La Liga – and Bournemouth are considering a bid.

A deal would come as a surprise considering the calibre of club chasing his signature – with Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Barcelona all ready to swoop.

Sources say Dortmund are the favourites but Bournemouth hope the offer of a quicker pathway to first-team football will persuade him to join his countryman Andoni Iraola on the south coast.

I’m told a fee of £15million could land the right-back with relegation likely to force Valladolid’s hand in negotiations.

Bournemouth are also locked in a big race with Wolves for the signing of Bristol City star Alex Scott.

The Cherries made the first move for Scott with a bid of £15million plus add-ons, which was rejected.

I’m told Bournemouth are very much in the race for the England Under-20 international, but it is Wolves who currently have the upper hand.

The Molineux club’s latest bid of £20million has been rejected, but they are edging closer to Bristol City’s £25million valuation of the starlet.

Wolves are long-term admirers of Scott and also saw a bid rejected by the Robins in January.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE BOURNEMOUTH NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

MAN CITY

The treble winners’ recruitment staff are now working on replacements for Riyad Mahrez – who is expected to join Al-Hilal.

I’m told Man City didn’t want to lose him this summer, so his imminent exit will come as a huge blow to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer has been linked with several Premier League sides after he was made available on loan earlier this summer.

Those two exits will leave City short in wide areas, and sources say Guardiola will get the funds to secure a new option this summer.

The Premier League champions have had a long-term interest in RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, and could finally make their move in the coming weeks.

However, Leipzig are under no pressure to sell this summer – with Olmo recently signing a long-term deal and the club already raking in big fees for Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku this summer.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

NEWCASTLE

Reports have suggested Eddie Howe’s side are ready to launch a mega-money bid for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

However, I’m told Newcastle are not likely to be in the right financial position to spend the kind of money needed to prise him away from Napoli.

He is on the radar at St James’ Park and they have watched him on numerous occasions, but they have targets in mind elsewhere with budgets slightly limited this summer.

Harvey Barnes remains the principal target in the wide forward area, while deals for a left-back and centre-back are also wanted.

Things could change in the pursuit of Kvaratskhelia if Newcastle make significant sales this summer – but I’m told Napoli will not consider selling their star man.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NEWCASTLE NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS