Transfer news live: Arsenal finalise Gyokeres add-ons, Liverpool ready Isak bid, Man United target Watkins – UK Times

Manchester United have been firmly rebuffed by Aston Villa after an informal inquiry over a possible move for Ollie Watkins.

United made the inquiry on Thursday evening but were told that Watkins ‘is not for sale’.

Watkins is just one of a few strikers United have looked at along with others including Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

With a valuation of around £60m, Watkins is one of the cheaper options United are exploring and has proven Premier League quality.

If they do pursue a deal then it will be difficult to convince Villa to part ways with their man.

Manchester City will re-sign James Trafford for £27m after the goalkeeper rejected Newcastle to return to his former club.

City, who sold the 22-year-old to Burnley two years ago, activated the matching rights clause they put in that deal when Newcastle agreed a fee with the promoted club.

And Trafford, a long-term target for Eddie Howe, decided against going to St James’ Park in favour of a move to the former Premier League champions.

Trafford will sign a five-year deal, with City possessing the option to extend it for a further season, and personal terms have been agreed.

Arsenal have signed centre-back Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia!

The Spanish defender, 21, turned pro with the La Liga club in 2021 after coming through their academy.

Mosquera then made 90 first-team appearances for Valencia.

He is also able to represent Colombia, having only played for Spain at under-21 level – though he won Olympic gold with the Spanish side last summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side face AC Milan on Wednesday, which will come too soon for Gyokeres to feature, with the next friendly on Sunday against Newcastle.

Arsenal appear close to finalising details in a protracted transfer saga for Gyokeres, a player who could bring a more ruthless streak to their attack, and the final fee could eventually rise to £63.8m (€73.5m).

Gyokeres could be one of two new additions for Arsenal, with centre-back Cristhian Mosquera set to join.

The 25-year-old was not included in last week’s friendly defeat to Celtic due to “speculation”, and has now not travelled to Singapore for pre-season due to a thigh injury.

And Newcastle have been made aware that Isak is keen to consider his future elsewhere.

The Independent understands the Swede is currently in London for his medical, allowing Arsenal to turn their attention to other targets.

Arsenal are hoping to agree a fee that comes to £60m, rather than the reported £68m clause, although on terms that are also amenable to Palace.

Although there has not yet been any formal contact between the two clubs, the suggestions are that both will be flexible, amid good relations between the two boardrooms.