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Manchester United have now agreed personal terms with a 109 career-goal striker, with Jason Wilcox driving a move that could transpire in January.

Man Utd searching for striker with jury still out on Sesko

It was always going to take Benjamin Sesko time to adapt to the Premier League after making the move from RB Leipzig, and the Slovenian is yet to make a real impact, failing to score in his first four outings in all competitions.

However, United legend Roy Keane has defended the 22-year-old’s slow start to life at Old Trafford, saying: “When there’s a lot of speculation, some of these lads miss training over pre-season and it maybe just looks like he’s not up to speed yet, but yeah undecided yet, give the kid a chance.”

That said, having joined for the huge fee of £74m, Sesko will need to start scoring soon, especially given that Rasmus Hojlund has now joined Napoli on loan, while Joshua Zirkzee isn’t exactly primed to provide much support, scoring just three league goals in 2024-25.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Man United have already set their sights on a new striker, who could join in the January transfer window, as personal terms have been agreed with Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck is open to completing what would be a remarkable return to Old Trafford at the age of 34, and he has been identified as a low-cost addition to Ruben Amorim’s frontline, with Wilcox said to be the driving force behind the deal.

Man Utd already eyeing "elite" Baleba alternative as soon as window closed

The Red Devils are already looking at January.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 2, 2025

The Englishman’s name was brought up when the Red Devils enquired about Brighton teammate Carlos Baleba, and he is now seemingly being considered as a serious option, with the Seagulls willing to sanction a January departure.

"Amazing" Welbeck could be Zirkzee upgrade

The signing of the Brighton striker is unlikely to get too many fans excited, and in all honesty it is the type of business United should be avoiding, given that he will be 35 by the time a move to Old Trafford is feasible.

However, the 42-time England international, who has amassed 109 career goals at club level, is vastly experienced in the Premier League, and would probably be an upgrade on Zirkzee, having scored 10 league goals last season.

Lauded as “amazing” by former Brighton boss Graham Potter, the veteran striker has also outperformed Zirkzee across a range of key attacking metrics over the course of the past year.

Average per 90

Danny Welbeck

Joshua Zirkzee

Non-penalty goals

0.31

0.20

Assists

0.13

0.10

Shots total

2.39

2.26

That said, outperforming the Dutchman isn’t exactly the hallmark of being a top striker, and United need to be thinking about the future, rather than signing a former player who is arguably in the twilight years of his career.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has lifted the lid on contract renewal discussions between the club and key midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands international’s current deal expires next summer but the Blaugrana hierarchy have now revealed they are confident fresh terms will be agreed soon as negotiations are set to continue between both parties.

• Speculation has been swirling around De Jong's future

  Speculation has been rife regarding De Jong’s future at Barcelona. In a recent report from Spanish publication , talks between De Jong and the Spanish champions were back on track after initially hitting the buffers when the 28-year-old switched to a new agent.

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• Earlier reports claimed De Jong had agreed a deal until 2029

  Another report from the same outlet then claimed that De Jong was close to putting pen to paper on a contract extension which would tie him to Barcelona until 2029. The report stated that the former Ajax star had even agreed to take a pay cut in order to remain with Hansi Flick’s side.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Revealed: Deco opens up about the contract talks with De Jong

  And now Barcelona chief Deco has had his say on where things stand with De Jong. In an interview with , the 48-year-old has revealed that while an agreement is yet to be found, discussions are going well between both parties and there is belief that a deal can be concluded in the near future.

  In quotes carried by , Deco said: “We are talking. Frenkie is really enjoying being here. He has matured on all levels, with his family, in the team.

  “If you are a player with character, you don’t just want to stay because you are in Barcelona, but because you want to compete for titles, and he sees that he can compete for titles. He sees this and wants to stay here.

  “At the club, we see him as a key player for the current project and the coming years, so I think we’ll get him to continue.”

  And when pressed on whether he believes De Jong will ink fresh terms, Deco added: “Yes, I do.”

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• Barca president Laporta remains confident De Jong will stay

  In a separate interview earlier this month, Barcelona president Joan Laporta also expressed his belief that De Jong would remain at the club, telling "The renewal with De Jong is being worked on. De Jong has done an extraordinary job. We said we didn't want any player whose contract expires this year, but we made an exception for De Jong because he changed agents. He's motivated; he even says he's sleeping despite having recently become a father. We expect good news soon.”

تلقى ليونيل ميسي الأسطورة الأرجنتينية تكريماً خاصاً من جماهير برشلونة، على الرغم من رحيله عن صفوف الفريق في عام 2021.

وكان ليونيل ميسي قد انتقل لباريس سان جيرمان في صفقة انتقال حر في عام 2021، قبل أن يرحل بعد عامين إلى صفوف إنتر ميامي الأمريكي.

ووفقاً لنتائج استطلاع أجرته صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية فإن ليونيل ميسي الذي ترك بصمته في برشلونة لما يقارب عقدين من الزمن تفوق على العديد من اللاعبين الآخرين كأكثر لاعب محبوب على مدار تاريخ النادي الذي أمتد لأكثر من 125 عاماً.

أقرأ أيضاً.. دي يونج يكشف كواليس محادثة خاصة مع ميسي.. ويصرح: فليك صارم في هذه النقطة

ويعد النجم الأرجنتيني هو اللاعب الأكثر شعبية في تاريخ نادي برشلونة، وأصبح ميسي على بعد خطوة واحدة من تجديد عقده ولم يحسم اللاعب قرار مشاركته في كأس العالم من عدمه.

وحصل ميسي في نتائج استطلاع رأي أجرته الصحيفة الإسبانية على نسبة 46% و1501 صوت كأفضل لاعب في تاريخ برشلونة وجاء في المركز الثاني كارليس بويول ب18% من الأصوات حيث حصل على 570 صوت.

بينما جاء الأسطورة البرازيلية رونالدينيو في المركز الثالث بنسبة 9% من الأصوات حيث حصل على 307 أصوات، أما الهولندي يوهان كرويف فقد جاء رابعاً بنسبة 9% من الأصوات حيث حصل على 298 صوتا، واحتل أندريس إنيستا المركز الخامس بعد أن حصل على 269 صوتا بنسبة 8%.

أما عن مدرب برشلونة السابق تشافي فقد جاء في المركز السابع ب8% حيث حصل على 298 صوت، واحتل بيب جوارديولا المركز الأخير بنسبة 1% من الأصوات.

Tottenham Hotspur was once the home to numerous world-class forwards, but Thomas Frank won’t be able to call upon any of the former talents previously at the club.

Harry Kane will be remembered as one of the best attackers in the Lilywhites’ history, registering 280 goals during his spell in the first team, sitting at the top of their record goalscoring charts.

Gareth Bale was another talent who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his own spell in North London, producing numerous moments of magic that led to him scoring 72 times in over 200 outings.

Whilst both players brought in huge profits, leaving for a combined £168m, it has left the first-team with a lack of attacking quality over various stints in recent campaigns.

Frank will want to rectify such problems before the end of the summer window, with the Dane overseeing continuous work during the past few weeks.

Spurs’ hunt to land an Eze alternative this summer

Eberechi Eze has been one of the key targets for Spurs this summer, with their pursuit of the Englishman dragging out for the majority of the window.

However, despite agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace and the player himself, he won’t be moving to join the Lilywhites – subsequently accepting a proposal from Arsenal, with a medical planned for this weekend.

Missing out on such a talent will be a huge disappointment to the supporters, but the hierarchy have already moved on to other targets, in the form of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Lilywhites hierarchy made an approach to Unai Emery’s side over the last couple of days to understand further conditions around any move.

He also stated that a deal could be unlikely this window, especially considering his current outfit don’t want to sell him, but an £80m price tag has previously been mooted for his signature.

Why Spurs’ £80m target would be a better signing than Eze

James Maddison’s injury and Heung-min Son’s departure to join LAFC have left huge holes in the number ten and left-wing positions, something which Eze would’ve solved.

The 27-year-old often featured in both of the aforementioned roles at Selhurst Park last season, ending the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with 16 combined goals and assists.

He also scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, helping the Eagles claim their first ever major trophy – leading to major interest from Frank’s side.

However, given his pending move to join the Gunners, Eze will always remain a case of what could’ve been after being strongly linked with Frank’s side during the summer window.

Despite missing out on the attacker’s signature, the hierarchy can’t rest on their laurels, needing to act quickly to secure an alternative – something which they’ve evidently done by plotting a deal for Rogers.

He would be a more expensive addition for the hierarchy, but one that can still develop further in the years ahead, with the former Manchester City youngster just 23 years old.

When comparing his stats to those of Eze from last season, the Villa star managed more combined goals and assists, but also notched numerous higher tallies with his underlying figures.

Rogers, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Eduardo Hagn, completed more passes into the final third and the opposition area per 90 – having the creative ability to provide others around him with constant opportunities.

He also notched more progressive carries per 90 and more carries into the opposition third, able to drive forward into dangerous areas – having the tools to set up a teammate or even find the net himself.

Games played

37

34

Goals & assists

18

16

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

3.6

3.3

Passes into the final third

2.1

1.7

Passes into the opposition box

1.6

1.3

Carries into the final third

2.1

1.6

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Aerials won

20%

15%

His ability to produce an end product is evident by his higher tally of goal contributions, but also achieving a higher shot on target accuracy rate in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Seeing Eze pulling on the red of Arsenal will be a painful sight for Spurs supporters, especially considering the huge hunt for his signature in recent months.

A deal for Rogers will definitely soften the blow, potentially being a blessing in disguise, with the Lilywhites able to land a bigger talent should they complete a deal for the Villa sensation.

As talented as Eze: Spurs make 1st approach to sign "spectacular" £25m star

Tottenham Hotspur have made an attempt to land a star who could have thrived alongside Eberechi Eze.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 21, 2025

Former Birmingham City winger Jermaine Pennant has backed the Blues to make a “clever signing” after the club registered their interest in a deal earlier this month.

Chris Davies and Co have been hard at work this summer, improving the squad with fresh faces in order to mount an Ipswich-esque charge on back to back promotions.

The Blues romped to the League One title last season and have added several exciting signings to a squad already brimming with quality, with former Celtic superstar Kyogo Furuhashi the pick of the bunch while the return of Demarai Gray will get fans off their seats.

Birmingham signings: in pictures

Perhaps the one area still in need of reinforcements is the number nine department, with Tyler Roberts not an out and out striker and Kyogo more of a versatile forward who floats between roles, leaving Jay Stansfield with a lot of responsibility to stay fit and firing.

Indeed, earlier this month reports revealed the Blues are moving to rectify that situation with an approach for Leicester legend Jamie Vardy, who is a free agent after his contract with the Foxes expired earlier this summer.

Pennant backs Blues to sign Vardy

Speaking to Football FanCast on behalf of Adventure Gamers, former Birmingham winger Pennant backed a move for Vardy due to the experience and goal threat he could provide off the bench.

Vardy’s goalscoring record and longevity is indeed remarkable, racking up 244 career goals for club and country, including nine in the top flight last season despite Leicester’s perilous form.

At his peak, the 38 year-old’s tireless running in behind was bordering on unstoppable, leading Arsene Wenger to try and sign him for Arsenal after being pipped to the Premier League title by the Vardy-led Foxes.

“I offered him a lot of money at the time,” Wenger said back in 2021. “Leicester had just won the championship at the time in 2016, and they absolutely did not want to lose him and offered him a longer contract with approximately the same money if not more.

Jamie Vardy’s career	Appearances	Goals
Leicester	500	200
Fleetwood	40	34
England	26	7
Halifax Town	4	3

“He is always in the game. He doesn’t look like he mentally gets out of the game and the great strikers are like that. It means he will score at some stage. Even when he misses a chance he stays in the game.”

Vardy’s record in the Championship suggests he would have no problem adapting to a new role at St Andrews either, scoring or assisting 54 times in 98 appearances in the competition.

Josh Philippe has made a perfect start to life in New South Wales colours, plundering a sparkling century against his former side to lead the Blues to a thrilling eight-run One-Day Cup victory over Western Australia.Philippe made an off-season switch from WA to NSW in a bid to reignite his Sheffield Shield career. But it’s with the white ball that Philippe has made a memorable early impression, with the 27-year-old cracking a career-high 139 off 119 deliveries to lead NSW to 287 for 9 at Cricket Central in Sydney on Sunday.Philippe’s innings overshadowed the return to form of WA’s injury-prone quick Jhye Richardson who put his injury woes behind him to finish with 5 for 63, including two wickets in three balls in the sixth over.In reply, three-time defending champions WA had a chance to pinch victory after moving to 279 for 9, needing nine runs off the final eight balls.But Will Salzmann ended WA’s hopes, taking a tough catch at deep point while running backwards and looking into the sun to dismiss AJ Tye.Salzmann had returned expensive figures of 2 for 72, but he had the last laugh with the match-winning catch.Cameron Bancroft top scored for WA with 71, while Ashton Agar (51), Ashton Turner (41) and Hilton Cartwright (41) also produced handy contributions.Philippe plundered 17 fours and three sixes in his devastating knock, with the star opener particularly brutal down the ground, both along the deck and over the top.Agar, WA’s lone spinner, suffered plenty of punishment from Philippe on the way to figures of 1 for 58 from eight overs. Richardson claimed Philippe’s wicket in the 38th over courtesy of a brilliant one-handed diving catch from Bancroft at mid-on.But the damage had already been done, with Philippe’s knock helping NSW post a formidable total despite the lack of support around him.Matthew Gilkes scored 41 off 47 batting at No.7 to be the next best scorer, while tail-ender Tanveer Singh added a handy 26 not out off 14 balls at the death.

This summer appears to be massive for Tottenham Hotspur if they are to leap back up the Premier League table throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank will be the latest manager tasked with taking the Lilywhites back towards the top end after the side registered a 17th-place finish this time around.

However, the Dane will have to find the balance between the league and Europe, with the club entering the Champions League as a result of their Europa League triumph.

Squad depth will be vital if they are to be competitive across both competitions, needing to strike a balance between the two to avoid any further embarrassment.

If the 51-year-old is to have the depth he desires, he will need the board to back him in the transfer market to allow him to land the stars he wants to be a success in his stint in North London.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a key target for Spurs this window, with the Ghanaian high on their list of priorities after netting 11 goals and registering five assists at the Vitality this season.

He’s not the only one on their radar, with Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz another talent on their radar, but it could cost a pretty penny with the Cottagers demanding £50m to part ways with the Brazilian.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned duo, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has once again emerged on their shortlist, according to TBR Football’s latest update.

They claim that the Lilywhites are prepared to trigger his £68m release clause in his contract, with Frank’s men confident of completing a deal for the England international.

It also states that the 26-year-old is very keen on a move to join the North London outfit this window, even preparing to push for a move to depart his current employers during the off-season.

Why Eze would be Frank’s answer to Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s made a name for himself under Frank at Brentford over recent years, being a key reason for the success endured across the capital.

The Cameroonian international has endured his own rise after joining from French side Troyes back in 2019, registering 70 goals for the Bees in the last six seasons.

He’s exploded into life in 2024/25, notching 20 league goals – the best return of his professional career – cementing himself as one of the Premier League’s most threatening talents.

After the Dane’s switch to join Spurs, he’s already attempted to bring the attacker to the club with him, but faces stiff competition from Manchester United for his signature.

It’s unclear whether the Lilywhites will be able to land the 25-year-old in this window, with attention potentially being turned in the direction of Eze as a result.

The attacking midfielder has caught the eye this campaign, registering 16 combined goals and assists in the league, even scoring the winner in their FA Cup triumph.

He could become Frank’s next version of Mbeumo should he complete a move, being his new talisman that can create endless opportunities – as seen with his respective tallies.

Eze, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Adam Keys and as a “superstar” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 3.5 shots per 90, with 37% of his efforts going on target, showcasing his clinical edge in attacking areas.

His creative nature is also reflected in his tally of 2.1 key passes per 90, whilst also registering 3.4 progressive carries per 90, having the skillset to take the ball into attacking areas and carry the threat that Frank desires.

Games played

34

Goals & assists

16

Shots taken

3.5

Shot on target accuracy

37%

Key passes

2.1

Progressive carries

3.4

Take-on success

49%

The midfielder has also completed 49% of the take-ons he’s attempted, with 4.7 shot-creating actions per 90, having the tools to create and score on his own – replicating that of Mbeumo at Brentford.

Whilst £68m appears to be a hefty figure, it would be a deal that could hand Frank a completely new dimension within the final third during his first season at the helm.

Should he replicate the levels produced by the Cameroonian across the capital, it would be a superb piece of business, handing the side the best chance of returning to a European battle next season.

A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs set to make approach for £50m striker

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a star who would improve Thomas Frank’s options in the final third.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Rocky Flintoff unbeaten on 82 at close as Sri Lanka face daunting first-innings deficit

ECB Reporters Network17-Jul-2024

Jaydn Denly made 91 as England thrived at Cheltenham•Getty Images

England U19 401 for 5 (Shaikh 107, Denly 91, Flintoff 82*, Fonseka 76) lead Sri Lanka U19 153 (Weerasinghe 77, Sharma 5-44) by 248 runsHamza Shaikh played a true captain’s innings to put England firmly in control at the end of day two in the second Youth Men’s Test against Sri Lanka at Cheltenham.Displaying an admirable work ethic, sound temperament and no little skill, the Warwickshire batsman fashioned a high-class innings of 107 from 210 balls and shared in a transformative partnership of 121 with Rocky Flintoff for the fifth wicket as England reached the close on 401 for 5, a handsome first-innings lead of 248.Flintoff also impressed, raising a measured 82 not out from 148 deliveries with 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Jaydn Denly posted 91 and Keshana Fonseka 76 as England fought hard to assume pre-eminence at the College Ground. Sri Lanka’s bowlers worked tirelessly throughout to build pressure on a true pitch, but it is the home side who will be in a position to dictate terms when they resume their first innings on day three with five wickets still standing.With two days still to play, England have an opportunity to further extend their advantage and still allow themselves plenty of time to bowl Sri Lanka out and win the match and, with it, the series.Resuming on 73 for 1, England’s initial goal was to overhaul Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 153 with plenty of wickets in hand. This they achieved, thanks in large part to Denly, the Kent left-hander dominating a substantial second-wicket partnership of 85 in 24.5 overs with Fonseka.How Sri Lanka must have rued passing up a wonderful opportunity to dismiss the opener before he had added to his overnight tally, Tisara Ekanayake fumbling a straightforward chance at mid-on off the bowling of Vihas Thewmika in the second over of the day. That near miss appeared to adversely affect Denly, who faced 21 balls without scoring.He was soon into his stride and made the tourists pay for their profligacy, hoisting the aggrieved Thewmika over mid-wicket for six as the second wicket pair raised a 50 partnership in 99 balls. When skipper Dinura Kalupahana again struggled to hit his line and length, Sri Lanka deployed spin at both ends in their quest to engineer a breakthrough.It arrived with the Young Lions still 14 runs in arrears, Denly pinned lbw on the front foot by leg spinner Praveen Maneesha and dismissed just nine runs shy of three figures. Spanning 120 balls and adorned by 15 fours and a six, his progressive knock afforded the innings solid foundations.Shaikh then joined forces with Fonseka in a steadfast alliance of 64 that served to propel England into credit. A bundle of hyperactive energy, Fonseka raised an assured 50 from 85 deliveries and had a hundred firmly in his sights when he inexplicably pulled Kalupahana to mid-wicket and departed shortly after lunch. He had faced 119 balls, accrued 12 fours and a six and provided crucial top-order cohesion.A period of stalemate now ensued as both sides wrestled for control, spinners Maneesha and Thewmika probing for flaws in technique, while Shaikh and new batsman Noah Thain set their stall out to bat long and build a commanding lead. Thain blinked first, driving at Thewmika and holing out to Manuja Chanthuka running back from mid-on.A picture of concentration, Shaikh grafted his way to a patient 50 from 120 balls, raising that landmark with his sixth four, swept behind square off Maneesha. Demonstrating an acute understanding of what was required of him, Flintoff played conservatively, offering staunch support to his captain after Sri Lanka had taken the new ball and ushering England to 303 for 4 and a lead of 150 at tea.Flintoff showed glimpses of his outrageous talent in the final session, the 16-year-old producing some glorious off drives and pull shots to go to an authoritative half century from 114 balls, with 6 fours. Playing within himself, Shaikh nevertheless appeared pleasing on the eye as he attained three figures from 203 deliveries, going to his hundred in the grand manner by lifting Chanthuka’s slow left arm high over long-on for six before raising his bat to acknowledge the warm ovation delivered by an appreciative Festival audience.He was out soon afterwards, skying a catch to mid-off off the bowling of Chanthuka, who finished the day with 2 for 59 from 29 overs.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of Brentford boss Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s immediate successor, just five days after the club announced chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to part company with the Australian.

Tottenham set to hire Thomas Frank as new manager after talks

The 51-year-old appears set to end his impressive tenure at Brentford in imminent fashion, after Levy earmarked Frank as the top candidate to replace Postecoglou.

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Unlike their infamously drawn-out hunt for a new manager in 2021, their search has ended pretty quickly, and Frank is now on the cusp of a switch to N17. Tottenham were in talks with Frank and Brentford over the last few days, with negotiations coming to a conclusion in a very swift fashion.

According to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, Frank will become Tottenham’s new manager, with the Lilywhites paying his £10 million release clause and already finding an agreement on contract terms/backroom staff.

The tactician is perhaps a perfect fit, considering he’s proven to be efficient at operating on a limited budget, not to mention working with a data-driven recruitment model at Brentford, which is quite similar to Tottenham.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

However, there are some reservations over Frank’s lack of experience when it comes to managing high-profile clubs, competing in the Champions League or winning silverware – with some comparisons already made to Spurs’ failed appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo.

Time will tell whether the Dane’s appointment will prove the correct one, but attention is now turning to how Tottenham will tackle the transfer market under his watch.

Thomas Frank urging Daniel Levy to consider Eberechi Eze deal at Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, he’s already starting to have his say on Spurs’ summer recruitment drive, with Frank said to be a fan of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

It is believed Frank has already urged Levy to consider a Tottenham deal for Eze, if they cannot hijack Man United’s deal for Bryan Mbeumo, with the new head coach giving his green-light for them to move for the £100,000-per-week England international.

The former QPR star fired Palace to their first ever major trophy, scoring the winner against Man City in their 1-0 FA Cup final win at Wembley, adding to his 2024/2025 tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze’s contract is rumoured to contain a £68 million release clause, so Spurs know the price it would take to back Frank with the attacker’s signing, which would undoubtedly be a statement signing.

“This guy is an immense talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown about Eze.

“He was released by Arsenal as a kid. I wonder if that will come back to haunt Arsenal here today? He said he cried for a week. He realised when it hits you really hard as a young man, you think, ‘Ok, I’m coming back from this.’ It proves that he’s made of really strong stuff.”

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly added a record-breaking forward to their list of targets, with sporting director Monchi getting ready to pounce.

Aston Villa battling PSR again this summer

As Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of Champions League qualification, those at Villa Park should be keen to point out the consequences that may occur should they fail to break into the top five in the final two games of the Premier League campaign. With PSR concerns hanging over their head, the Midlands club are on course for a difficult summer, which may leave them in a position with no choice but to sell at least one key man.

Just who leaves as a result of their PSR troubles remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped the transfer rumours from coming thick and fast regarding Aston Villa’s most important players.

Recent reports have seen both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers linked with moves away to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool and, although both sales would instantly ease their PSR problems, Villa will be well aware of just how much of an impact both make on Emery’s side.

Emery, himself, was recently full of praise for Watkins after he became Villa’s best-ever Premier League goalscorer, telling reporters: “Ollie Watkins is very fantastic. How he plays consistently here and his career as a player, he is very humble and trying to improve every day. He is not relaxing – he is always trying to do his work. His work is fantastic.”

Monchi and Aston Villa are now close to signing £13m star who Emery loves

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However, as “fantastic” as Watkins is, Emery may have no choice but to find a replacement for his star striker when the summer arrives and could even turn towards La Liga to do exactly that.

Aston Villa set sights on Sorloth

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now added Alexander Sorloth to their summer shortlist and Monchi is already plotting a move to sign the Atletico Madrid forward. Racing alongside Newcastle United for his signature, the Villans will hope to welcome the 6 foot 4 target man if Watkins departs to instantly solve their striker problem.

If there were any doubts over Sorloth’s ability, then his record-breaking hat-trick against Real Sociedad last time out should have put those to bed once and for all. Adding three more goals to take his total to 21 for the season, the 29-year-old striker could be one to watch when the summer transfer window swings open.