Manchester United are considering following Roy Keane’s advice and launching a bold attack on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Keane claimed last month that Villa top scorer Watkins could “play for one of the top teams” like his former employers, after he scored 27 goals this season, equaling Christian Benteke’s club Premier League record of 19 in a single season.
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The Pitch Prospect understands that Watkins fits the profile of the proven centre-forward. Man United’s new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to support and help develop Rasmus Hojlund.
However, it will be difficult for United to complete a deal with Villa close to Champions League qualification and Watkins signing a new five-year contract last year.
United will also have to cut their wage bill to raise money for Ratcliffe’s planned rebuild, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Antony among others available for transfer.
Transfer again?
West Ham have revived their interest in Sevilla striker Youssef En Nesyri and are hoping the impending arrival of Julen Lopetegui as coach will help them finally sign their man.
The Hammers have made numerous attempts to sign En Nesyri in previous transfer windows without managing to complete a transfer.
The Moroccan international played under Lopetegui at Sevilla and is 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.
The Palace youngster’s England dream
Adam Wharton is in the running for a surprise England call-up despite having only played 15 Premier League games.
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Wharton only moved to Crystal Palace from Blackburn in the January transfer window in a deal worth £22 million, but has caught the attention of Gareth Southgate with a string of impressive performances, not least in the 4-0 win over Manchester United last week.
Although this summer’s Euros may come too soon for the 20-year-old, he is seen as one of the names to be considered when Southgate names his up to 30-player pre-tournament training squad later this month.
Howe’s reunion hopes
Eddie Howe is personally driving Newcastle’s pursuit of Lloyd Kelly, according to The Pitch Prospect sources.
As previously reported in this notebook, Newcastle are favorites to sign Kelly and the versatile defender has now confirmed to Bournemouth that he will be leaving the club as a free agent this summer after turning down a lucrative new contract that would see him become a of their top players would have made them earners.
Howe signed Kelly, who can play at both centre-back and left-back, from Bristol City when he managed the Cherries and is keen for the pair to reunite at St James Park.
Newcastle are also in advanced talks with Fulham free agent Tosin Adarabioyo and hope to agree a deal, although the Magpies are not the only club at the table for the ex-Manchester City player.
Manchester United are believed to be looking to hijack this deal as the Red Devils look to strengthen their defensive options after confirming Raphael Varane’s departure from Old Trafford this summer.