Man United target monster double Aston Villa transfer as Sunderland line up controversial new signing

It’s time for another morning round-up and review of the biggest and juiciest new Premier League transfer rumours – and we’ll kick off our latest glut of gossip with an update on Manchester United’s efforts to strengthen ahead of the new season.

The Daily Telegraph report that United have been knocked back in their attempts to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, and have been told that the England striker is “not for sale at any cost”.

United see the 29-year-old as a “strong option” as they target a new striker ahead of the season’s start, but Villa have no interested in allowing him to leave. Watkins isn’t the only member of Unai Emery’s squad on United’s radar, however, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez another player that the Red Devils are keen on.

The Argentine’s future is less certain than Watkins’, and Villa would “consider letting him go” if United stumped up a hefty £40m for the two-time Yashin Trophy winner. United, apparently, made a loan offer instead which was “instantly rejected”. Worth a shot…

The 3AM Verdict: We’re amazed that United, who need to make sure they sell players and desperately need to sort out their midfield and defence, are trying to sign another highly expensive forward, but that’s the Ineos Era for you. We doubt Villa will let Watkins leave unless he kicks up a huge fuss, and further doubt that United will part with £40m for Martínez.

Sunderland debating curious and controversial signing

Over to a fascinating little story from Sport Witness now – they’ve picked up on a story from the Italian media which suggests that Sunderland are “one of the clubs interested” in a deal for Galatasaray forward Nicolò Zaniolo, who has had what can be fairly called a turbulent career.

Once hailed as the second coming of Francesco Totti, Zaniolo has bounced between teams (including Aston Villa) for several seasons, struggling to perform consistently and generating repeated questions about his attitude and application. That doesn’t seem to be putting Sunderland off, however.

Nor are they alone in their admiration for the 26-year-old, with Villarreal, Real Oviedo and PSV Eindhoven apparently keeping tabs. There’s even a chance that Galatasaray keep hold of him after an apparently impressive pre-season.

The 3AM Verdict: Between injuries and his temper, Zaniolo has never come close to being the player he promised to be, and it’s hard to imagine it being much different at Sunderland than it has been anywhere else. It’s also relatively hard to imagine a deal taking place, but it would be a fun one if we’re wrong.

Side target Raheem Sterling as Nottingham Forest deal moves closer

Let’s finish with a second story from Sport Witness which is really two pieces of news rolled into one – firstly, Nottingham Forest are getting close enough to signing Bologna’s Dan Ndoye that Napoli, their rival in the bidding, are looking elsewhere. And secondly, that ‘elsewhere’ means Raheem Sterling.

The Serie A champions are “evaluating” the unwanted Chelsea winger as an alternative to 24-year-old Switzerland international Ndoye, believing that they will be “pipped to the post” by Forest, with Nuno Santo’s side apparently “ready” to make an offer of nearly €40m (£35m).

Sterling has emerged as a “strong alternative” with Ndoye apparently keen to try his hand in the Premier League, although some reports suggest that Napoli will attempt to lodge a new bid for Ndoye before moving on. Sterling or any other Plan B they come up with is “on the back burner” – for now.

The 3AM Verdict: Sterling to Napoli really would be a transfer we didn’t see coming, and there are many financial barriers to it as Napoli are keen to keep costs down this summer – as their lengthy and ultimately abortive negotiations over Darwin Núñez demonstrated. Forest are starting to look like Ndoye’s most likely destination, however, so that side of the story may well be accurate.