GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
SunSport’s Alan Nixon has revealed that Graham Potter aims to nab his former players Dan James and Joe Rodon.
The Brighton manager hopes to get the nod to land speedy winger James this summer.
The Welsh midfielder, 23, has seen his chances of a game at Manchester United hit hard by the £73million arrival of Jadon Sancho.
As well as James, Potter is on alert for his fellow Welshman, Rodon.
The Tottenham centre-half, also 23, could be available with the North Londoners closing in on Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
James came to prominence at Swansea under Potter, who used his blistering pace to lethal effect.
The winger would be given the games he needs at this stage of his career on the south coast.
Meanwhile, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reports that Old Trafford outcast Donny van de Beek could have a pivotal role in Manchester United’s bid to land Raphael Varane.
United have held initial talks with Real Madrid about signing the French centre-back, who would cost around £50million.
But Real are also keen on taking Van de Beek, 24, to the Bernabeu on a year-long loan, with a commitment to buy 12 months down the line.
And United believe that gives them a key bargaining tool in their pursuit of Varane, who tops their list of centre-back targets.
Varane, 28, has one more season left on his deal and can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
As much as the Spanish giants would love to keep him, they also do not want to lose him on a free — especially as they are in such a cash-strapped state at the moment.
So United are more likely to play ball over Van de Beek, if it gives them a little wriggle room in signing Varane, who is also on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar.
Ironically the Red Devils pipped Real to sign the Dutch midfielder in a £35m move from Ajax last summer.
And finally, Leeds United are close to completing a deal for Junior Firpo but the move is being held up, according to reports.
A deal has been agreed with Barcelona for his transfer but Covid protocols have halted progress after he travelled to England.
Firpo is currently in quarantine ahead of undergoing a medical at Thorp Arch.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Leeds have not specified when the medical will take place.
And since that is the next stage in the transfer proceeding, there has been a delay in wrapping up a deal for the defender.
The Whites have reportedly had a bid worth £13m accepted for the 24-year-old, who will sign a four-year deal.