Transfer diary: Manchester United consider Ollie Watkins, West Ham back for star striker, Howe keen to reunite with former player at Newcastle

Manchester United are considering following Roy Keane’s advice by launching a bold swoop for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Keane claimed last month that Watkins, Villa’s top scorer, “could play for one of the top teams” like his former employers after seeing him score 27 goals this season and equal Christian Benteke’s club record in Premier League 19 in a single campaign.

3

talkSPORT understands Watkins fits the profile of the proven centre-forward that new Man United 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 complete, however, with Villa on the verge of Champions League qualification and Watkins having signed a new five-year contract last year.

United must also reduce their wage bill to raise funds for Ratcliffe’s planned rebuild with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Antony among those available for a transfer.

Retransfer?

West Ham have reignited their interest in Sevilla striker Youssef En Nesyri and hope the imminent arrival of Julen Lopetegui as manager will finally help land their man.

The Hammers have made numerous attempts to sign En Nesyri in previous transfer windows, failing to complete a transfer.

The Morocco international played under Lopetegui at Sevilla and is said 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 goalscorer Dominic Solanke another potential target.

The English dream of the young Palace

Adam Wharton is in line for a shock England call-up despite making just 15 Premier League appearances.

3

3

Wharton only joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn in a deal worth £22 million in the January transfer window, but caught the attention of Gareth Southgate with a series of impressive performances, including in last week’s 4-0 defeat of Manchester United.

Although this summer’s Euros may come too soon for the 20-year-old, he appears 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 hope

Eddie Howe is personally leading Newcastle’s pursuit of Lloyd Kelly, according to talkSPORT sources.

As previously reported in this diary, Newcastle are favorites to sign Kelly and the versatile defender has now confirmed to Bournemouth that he will leave the club as a free agent this summer after turning down a lucrative new contract which would have made him l one of their best. employees.

Howe recruited Kelly, who can play at centre-back and left-back, from Bristol City when he was in charge of the Cherries and desperately needed the two to reunite at St James Park.

Newcastle are also in advanced talks with Fulham free agent Tosin Adarabioyo and hope to reach an agreement, although the Magpies are not the only club at the table for the former Manchester City man.

Manchester United are believed to be trying to hijack this deal as the Red Devils look to bolster their defensive options after Raphael Varane’s Old Trafford exit was confirmed this summer.