Transfer notebook: De Zerbi update amid Barcelona and Liverpool links, West Ham brace for more Paqueta bids, Sunderland hope to keep star after Beale axe
Brighton have been speaking to Roberto De Zerbi about the possibility of extending his contract but, despite recent speculation, have not received any contact from any other club.
Seagulls boss De Zerbi is believed to be on Barcelona's shortlist of candidates for replace Xavi at the end of the season.
The fiery Italian also has admirers in the corridors of power on both sides. manchester united and Liverpoolas well as in his native Italy.
However, talkSPORT understands that De Zerbi, whose current contract expires in the summer of 2026, has No indication has been given to Brighton. he wants to leave.
Brighton's argument for keeping De Zerbi is helped by the fact that they are not under financial pressure to sell more of their star players.
Indeed, owner Tony Bloom has ambitious recruitment plans for the upcoming summer transfer window as he attempts to transform the Sussex squad into an established European side.
Hammer
West Ham are preparing for new interest from city of manchester In Lucas Paquetá.
Paquetá was close to signing for City in an £80million deal last summer before it was revealed he was being investigated for allegedly breaching the FA's betting rules.
city boss pep guardiola He remains a big admirer of the Brazil international, who has returned to training after a calf injury.
talkSPORT has also been told that Paquetá's advisers could take legal action against the FA for loss of income.
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Joining City would give Paqueta a huge pay rise and, despite giving up access to his mobile phone in October, the 26-year-old still doesn't know if he will be charged.
Black Cats Impulse
SunderlandEdit hope firing Michael Beale will persuade teenage sensation Chris Rigg to spurn interest from the Premier League and across Europe and commit his future to the Stadium of Light.
Rigg is on the radar of teams like Bayern MunichManchester City, Liverpool and even Sunderland's arch-rivals Newcastle.
The midfielder, who comes from a family of Newcastle fans, will turn 17 in June and can sign a professional contract with the club of his choice and Sunderland will be entitled to compensation.
It is understood that Rigg, who made his Sunderland debut aged just 15 in last season's FA Cup, was among a number of players disillusioned with Beale after playing just 32 minutes during his brief tenure.
Rigg is expected to see more playing time under interim boss Mike Dodds, who has a proven track record in developing young players, including Judas Bellingham when I was in Birmingham.
Eagle eyes
Crystal Palace are keeping a close eye on Birmingham youngster Jordan James ahead of a potential summer move.
Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman was in the crowd to see 19-year-old Welsh international James score in Birmingham's 2-1 win over Sunderland last weekend.
The Championship has been a happy hunting ground for Palace in recent years, having acquired Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze from Reading and QPR respectively, and paying £22m to sign Adam Wharton from Blackburn in the January transfer window .
