Aston Villa have made an opening bid for Crystal Palace and France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 29, though the offer falls well short of what Palace are demanding for the forward, according to The Athletic.

The Birmingham club are simultaneously closing in on a second striking reinforcement — Foot Mercato reports Villa are on the verge of agreeing a €70m (£59.8m) deal for Chelsea and Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson, 25, which would represent a significant outlay for Unai Emery's side.

City refuse to give up on Fernandez

Manchester City are preparing to submit a formal bid to Chelsea for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 25, before the transfer window closes, according to Fabrizio Romano. City's pursuit of the World Cup winner signals their continued ambition to reshape their midfield.

Across the city, Manchester United are weighing up a move for VfB Stuttgart's Finn Jeltsch, 20, with the club reportedly considering making contact with the German side over the promising young defender, Caught Offside reports.

Gouiri attracts top-flight interest

Tottenham could emerge as an unexpected rival for Algeria winger Amine Gouiri, 26, potentially disrupting Napoli's attempts to land the Marseille forward, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Newcastle United are set to submit a final offer of €60m (£51m) for Lille and Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, 21, as the Magpies press ahead with their attacking recruitment, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

More moves across England

Leeds United and Crystal Palace have both registered interest in Everton and Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien, 25, per Football Insider.

Nottingham Forest are in discussions with Corinthians regarding a move for Brazil midfielder Andre, 20, the Daily Mail reports.

Finally, Hull City have completed an agreement with Union Berlin to bring in German forward Ilyas Ansah, 21, in a deal that will exceed €20m (£17.1m), according to Fabrizio Romano.