Transfers

INEOS ‘surprised’ Man Utd didn’t consider signing Tino Livramento

Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently completed his purchase of a 28% stake in the club and is busy working on internal restructuring, with Manchester City’s Omar Berrada appointed as their new chief executive starting this summer and Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth closing in on being confirmed as the sporting director.

INEOS and Ratcliffe are also beginning to identify positions and profiles for the summer transfer window – 90min recently reported they are looking to sign a striker, centre-back and versatile full-back, while a midfielder will also be on their radar with Michael Olise already an approved target. Even a defensive midfielder could arrive if Casemiro departs, with interest coming from Saudi Arabia.

Man Utd’s need to bring in a quality option at full-back has been evident for a while. Sources have told 90min that INEOS are admirers of Livramento and there have questions why he was not considered last summer. Livramento left Southampton following their relegation from the Premier League and joined Newcastle for an initial £32m fee plus a further £8m in add-ons.

The need for a left-back is perhaps more pressing for Man Utd, but Livramento can switch from the right if needed. He has filled in at left-back for Newcastle and proven to be one of their most promising players across an indifferent campaign thus far and has also put his injury problems behind him, missing out on only one Premier League matchday squad this season, and this was due to illness.

Man Utd may not have viewed an approach for Livramento as within their financial means, but INEOS believe transfers for young profiles like him should be viewed as investments not expenses, so it would have been worth paying more for a youthful player with great ability. The 21-year-old’s wages would also have been lower compared to Man Utd’s median, while his price tag would stand to grow with good performances.

Transfers

‘He Can Only Leave For €75m’ – Napoli Reject Official Bid For Victor Osimhen

Napoli have turned down an initial €65 million bid from Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisting the striker will not leave for less than his €75 million release clause, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Turkish champions submitted their first official offer for Osimhen, hoping to secure his permanent transfer before the January window closes.

However, Napoli rejected the proposal outright, maintaining their stance that the Nigerian forward would only be sold for the full value of his clause.

Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray until the end of the season, has been in exceptional form, scoring at a rate of nearly one goal per game in the Turkish Süper Lig. His performances have convinced Galatasaray to push for a permanent move, but their opening bid fell €10 million short of Napoli’s asking price.

The report highlights the intricacies of Victor Osimhen’s contract. The release clause for the former Lille ace was officially set at €130 million but it was renegotiated last summer when he signed a new deal before moving to Turkey on loan.

The new terms allow Galatasaray an exclusive opportunity to sign him for €75 million in January — €6 million less than what any other club would need to pay if they try to sign him mid-season.

For clubs outside of Galatasaray, Osimhen’s release clause in January is set at €81 million.

However, from the summer, the clause drops to a uniform €75 million for all potential suitors. Napoli are in no rush to sell, especially with Victor Osimhen continuing to perform at a high level.

De Laurentiis is prepared to wait until the summer, expecting greater interest and potentially more lucrative offers for the Nigerian international.

English Premier League giants Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United remain big admirers of Osimhen.

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has been leading the Blues’ charge to convince Osimhen to prioritise a move to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has also called on the Old Trafford landlords to push for Osimhen’s signature this winter.

Transfers

Victor Boniface to remain at Bayer Leverkusen as Al Nassr deal falls through – Club director

Bayer Leverkusen Managing Director Simon Rolfes has confirmed that Nigerian forward Victor Boniface will not be moving to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

The deal, which had been in advanced stages with both clubs agreeing on a fee, fell apart after Al Nassr decided to sign Aston Villa’s striker Jhon Duran instead. Boniface had reportedly agreed on personal terms with Al Nassr but will now continue with the Bundesliga side.

“There have been talks, but we are happy that he will be training with us today. I assume that he will stay,” Rolfes stated. “He feels comfortable here, his attitude towards the club is unchanged.”

Boniface’s continued presence at Leverkusen will be a boost to Xabi Alonso’s side as they pursue success domestically and in European competitions.

Transfers

Everton eyes late move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi

As the January transfer window approaches its deadline, Everton has reportedly set their sights on Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Nigerian forward, 27, has struggled for consistent game time this season, falling behind New Zealand international Chris Wood in the pecking order.

Despite expressing a desire to stay at Forest, ongoing speculation about his future continues, with West Ham United previously linked to the former Union Berlin star.

Everton is now reportedly considering a late swoop for Awoniyi as they aim to bolster their attacking options. The Toffees hope to secure his signature before the window closes.

Awoniyi has netted just one goal in 20 league appearances this season, a decline from his strong performances in previous campaigns. His potential move could offer a fresh start and an opportunity to rediscover his goal-scoring form.