Manchester United are considering taking Roy Keane’s advice by launching an audacious swoop for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Keane claimed last month Villa top-scorer Watkins ‘could play for one of the top teams’ like his former employers after watching him bang in 27 goals this season and equalling Christian Benteke’s club Premier League record of 19 in a single campaign.
talkSPORT understands Watkins fits the profile of the proven centre-forward Man United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bring in to support and help develop Rasmus Hojlund.
It would be a difficult deal for United to do, though, with Villa on the brink of Champions League qualification and Watkins having signed a new five-year contract last year.
United also have to trim their wage bill to raise funds for Ratcliffe’s planned rebuild with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Antony among those available for transfer.
Transfer back on?
West Ham have revived their interest in Sevilla striker Youssef En Nesyri and hope the pending arrival of Julen Lopetegui as manager will help finally land their man.
The Hammers have made numerous attempts to sign En Nesyri in previous transfer windows, without managing to complete a transfer.
The Morocco international played under Lopetegui at Sevilla and is believed to be keen to follow the former Wolves boss to the London Stadium.
Signing a new number nine is the Hammers’ top priority with Bournemouth goal machine Dominic Solanke another potential target.
Palace youngster’s England dream
Adam Wharton is in contention for a shock England call-up despite playing just 15 Premier League matches.
Wharton only joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn in a deal worth £22m in the January transfer window but has caught the eye of Gareth Southgate with a string of impressive performances, not least in last week’s 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United.
While this summer’s Euros may come too early for the 20-year-old, he is understood to be one of the names under consideration when Southgate names his pre-tournament training squad of up to 30 players later this month.
Howe’s reunion hopes
Eddie Howe is personally driving Newcastle’s pursuit of Lloyd Kelly, according to talkSPORT sources.
As previously reported in this notebook, Newcastle are favourites to sign Kelly and the versatile defender has now confirmed to Bournemouth he will be leaving the club as a free agent this summer after turning down a lucrative new contract that would have made him one of their top earners.
Howe signed Kelly, who can play at centre-back and left-back, from Bristol City when he was in charge of the Cherries and is desperate for the pair to reunite at St James Park.
Newcastle are also in advanced talks with Fulham free agent Tosin Adarabioyo and hopeful of agreeing a deal, although the Magpies are not the only club at the table for the ex-Manchester City man.
Manchester United are believed to be trying to hijack that deal as the Red Devils look to bolster their defensive options following confirmation of Raphael Varane’s Old Trafford exit this summer.
News Summary:
- Transfer notebook: Manchester United consider Ollie Watkins, West Ham back in for star striker, Howe wants former player reunion at Newcastle
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.