Aston Villa have shown interest in signing Crystal Palace and France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 28, while the Eagles are targeting Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand, 24. (The Athletic – subscription required)
Villa are also stepping up efforts to sign Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at Besiktas, with club officials watching the 28-year-old England international in action in Istanbul on Monday. (Sky Sports)
Ajax want to sign Manuel Ugarte, 24, on loan as they look for a defensive midfielder, but Manchester United have no plans to let the Uruguay international leave. (The Athletic – subscription required)
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has emerged as a new name on Manchester United’s shortlist for their next manager, although England head coach Thomas Tuchel and Marseille’s Roberto de Zerbi remain the two main targets. (Mirror)
Inter Milan want to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, but the Argentina international would need to accept a pay cut in order to complete a move next season. (Sky Sports)
Leon Bailey’s loan spell at Roma has been cut short, with the 28-year-old Jamaica winger returning to Aston Villa. (Sky Sports – in Italian)
Fulham will face competition from Wolfsburg and Real Betis in the race to sign Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott, 23, from AZ Alkmaar in the summer. (Independent)
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard is being tipped to replace Oliver Glasner as Crystal Palace manager, with the club also interested in Getafe’s Jose Bordalas and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez. (Talksport)
Sunderland have no intention of selling DR Congo central midfielder Noah Sadiki, 21, to Manchester United, but are willing to consider offers for less influential players such as English goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, 25, and former England Under-20 midfielder Dan Neil, 24. (Sun)
Everton have made enquiries about Sunderland’s French striker Wilson Isidor, 25, as they look to strengthen their attacking options. (Mirror)
Sheffield Wednesday’s 17-year-old English defender Yisa Alao is close to joining Chelsea in January. (Sheffield Star)
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