Manchester United’s hopes of signing a midfielder in January have suffered a double blow.
The Pitch Prospect has been told Brighton have no plans to cash in on United target Carlos Baleba next summer.
Suggestions that the 21-year-old is unhappy on the Sussex coast and pushing for a transfer were also played down.
The Cameroon international has not started the season in outstanding form and coach Fabian Hurzeler admitted he has been affected by speculation linking him with Old Trafford.
However, astute owner Tony Bloom believes United won’t be the only ones looking for his signature if the Seagulls decide to sell.
Brighton’s stance follows Palace owner Simon Parish telling The Pitch Prospect that the Eagles are under no financial pressure to part ways with Adam Wharton, who is also on the Red Devils’ radar.
Another potential option for United is Jobe Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, but that is seen as a difficult mid-season deal.
Palace itself is believed to be long-time admirers of Bellingham.
Semenyo clause revealed
TalkSPORT understands Antoine Semenyo has a release clause in his Bournemouth contract.
As last week’s notebook suggests, the Cherries are primed for interest from Premier League stars after Semenyo’s goal-laden start to the season.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian held talks with Tottenham and Manchester United before signing a sweet new five-year contract in 2019
in the summer, while Liverpool are also big admirers.
Bournemouth were realistic enough about Semenyo’s performances last season that including a release clause was the best way to determine his future.
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The exact terms of the release clause are being kept secret as Bournemouth want to keep their star for as long as possible.
Semenyo has six direct goal involvements in the Premier League this season [six goals, three assists] – only Erling Haaland has more with ten [nine goals, one assist] – and Bournemouth value him at over £75m.
Rohl’s Rangers plan
Danny Rohl is interested in adding at least one former Rangers player to his coaching staff if he gets the call to replace Russell Martin.
Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Rohl is among the leading candidates to replace Martin at Ibrox.
The German is keen to embrace the illustrious history of the Glasgow giants.
Club legend Steven Davis was touted for a backroom role when it looked like Steven Gerrard would agree to return.
Sources told The Pitch Prospect that Rohl impressed the Gers hierarchy in his interview, but there are other options on the table too, including another ex-Ibrox star in Kevin Muscat.
Uncertain times for Big Ange
The appointment of Scott Munn as head of football at Italian club Parma is another telling indication that Ange Postecoglou remains on shaky ground at Nottingham Forest.
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Former Tottenham football boss Munn was a close ally of fellow Australian Postecoglou during his time as Spurs coach.
The Pitch Prospect revealed when Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espirito Santo last month that Munn was being considered for a board position at the City Ground.
Forest are currently looking for a new chief football officer after Ross Wilson left his role as director of football at Newcastle United. Munn is a candidate to fill his position.
But his move to Italy could perhaps show that Nottingham Forest bosses are not entirely happy with their new manager after a disappointing start.
Postecoglou is expected to continue to lead the team in the game against Chelsea this weekend.
However, after failing to win any of their first seven games, another poor result could see owner Evangelos Marinakis wield the ax for the second time in a matter of weeks.
Former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche is a live option to become Forest’s third gaffer of the season.