Transfer gossip round-up: Villa make offer for Mateta - Wednesday's gossip

The latest BBC gossip digest has handed us a fresh batch of transfer chatter, and the Premier League clubs are the busiest lot.

Aston Villa dominate the opening act, with two distinct pursuits surfacing. According to Athletic, Villa have put an offer on the table for Crystal Palace’s French striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta, 29, though the bid is said to sit well below the London club’s valuation. At the same time, Foot Mercato – in French – reports that Villa are on the verge of sealing a €70 million (£59.8 million) deal for Chelsea and Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, 25, suggesting a double‑pronged strike for goals.

Manchester United’s scouting radar appears to be turning northward. CaughtOffside claims United are weighing contact with Stuttgart over a potential move for 20‑year‑old German defender Finn Jeltsch, indicating a defensive upgrade is on the agenda. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s ambitions are anchored in midfield. Fabrizio Romano says City will lodge a formal offer to Chelsea for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 25, before the transfer window shuts, pointing to a direct challenge for the player’s services.

Tottenham’s interest in the Mediterranean market is hinted at by Corriere dello Sport – in Italian – which suggests Spurs could hijack Napoli’s pursuit of Marseille and Algeria winger Amine Gouiri, 26. This would see the North London side stepping into a race already heating up for the French‑speaking forward.

Further north, Newcastle’s bid is coming into focus. Sacha Tavolieri reports the Magpies will submit a final €60 million (£51 million) offer for Lille and Belgium forward Matias Fernandez‑Pardo, 21, indicating a serious attempt to lock down the young attacker.

The English clubs are also eyeing defensive reinforcements. Football insider notes that both Leeds United and Crystal Palace have registered an interest in Everton and Ireland defender Jake O’Brien, 25, suggesting a shared pursuit for the back‑line.

Across the continent, Nottingham Forest’s overseas outreach is highlighted by the Daily Mail – subscription only – which says Forest are in talks with Corinthians over a move for 20‑year‑old Brazilian midfielder Andre, pointing to a South American link for the club.

Finally, Fabrizio Romano again surfaces with a continental swap, reporting that Hull City have agreed a deal with Union Berlin to sign 21‑year‑old German forward Ilyas Ansah, with the fee said to exceed €20 million (£17.1 million).

All told, the market is buzzing with clubs probing multiple targets, and the next few days should tell us which of these reported interests turn into concrete moves.