Roberto De Zerbi has explained his touchline clash with Unai Emery following Marseille's fiery 3-1 friendly win over Aston Villa. The tension boiled over after Mason Greenwood's bust-up with Tyrone Mings, with the OM boss revealing he 'didn't like' Emery complaining about his players.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reaffirmed that Alexander Isak remains part of the club’s long-term plans, but admitted the Sweden international cannot currently train with the squad or feature in their Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa. The decision comes amid mounting transfer speculation linking the forward with a transfer to the reigning English champions Liverpool.
Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Ivory Coast international forward Evann Guessand from Nice, which could open the door to Ollie Watkins' exit from Villa Park this summer. Watkins has been linked with a move away from the club since the start of the summer transfer window, with several teams, including Manchester United, keen on signing the England star.
Former Chelsea and France star Emmanuel Petit has urged Chelsea to sign Manchester United target Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa this summer. The Red Devils have been linked with the World Cup-winning Argentine goalkeeper since the start of the transfer window and the club even saw their loan bid rejected by the Villans. However, Martinez could be allowed to leave for around £40 million.
Manchester United continue to look for a new No.9 and even though Ollie Watkins does represent an upgrade to their current options, he's not the guy to solve all their problems
Newcastle United were actively pursuing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa but internal sentiment at St. James' Park suggests that Sesko is edging closer to a move to Manchester United, as revealed by The Daily Mail. This is another massive blow to Newcastle’s recruitment plans given how highly they rate the Slovenian talent.
Aston Villa icon Gabriel Agbonlahor has threatened to "move countries" if Manchester United sign Ollie Watkins. The Villans are reportedly eyeing a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in case Watkins leaves the club. The 28-year-old striker is currently a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Bryan Mbeumo has offered glowing praise for former teammate Ollie Watkins, calling the Aston Villa forward a “complete striker” amid growing speculation of a transfer to Manchester United. Ruben Amorim has intensified his search for a new centre-forward and reportedly has Watkins at the top of his wish list alongside RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester United have narrowed their striker search to two candidates: Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. However, before spending any more money on new players, United will have to get rid of their 'bomb squad', which includes outcasts like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.