Villa interested in Mateta – Wednesday’s gossip

Aston Villa explore Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tammy Abraham moves, Manchester United decline Ajax’s Manuel Ugarte approach and Bournemouth fight to keep Marcos Senesi.

Aston Villa have expressed their interest in signing 28-year-old Crystal Palace and France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Eagles exploring a move for Villa’s Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand, 24. (Athletic – subscription required)

Villa are also stepping up their efforts to sign Roma striker Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at Besiktas, with the club officials watching the 28-year-old England international play in Istanbul on Monday. (Sky Sports)

Ajax have asked about signing Manuel Ugarte, 24, on loan as they search for a defensive midfielder but Manchester United are not looking to move out the Uruguay international. (Athletic – subscription required)

Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has emerged as a new name on Manchester United‘s shortlist to be their next manager but England head coach Thomas Tuchel and Marseille’s Roberto de Zerbi remain their top two targets. (Mirror)

Inter Milan are exploring a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, but the Argentina international would have to accept a wage cut to sign next summer. (Sky Sports)

Bournemouth plan to resist any bids for Marcos Senesi, 28, this month with Chelsea, Juventus and Barcelona among clubs who have shortlisted the Argentina centre-back as a possible target. (Talksport)

Leon Bailey’s loan spell at Roma has been cut short with the 28-year-old Jamaica winger returning to Aston Villa. (Sky Sports – in Italian)

Fulham are battling Wolfsburg and Real Betis in the race to sign Republic of Ireland forward Troy Parrott, 23, from AZ Alkmaar in the summer. (Independent)

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard is likely to be a strong contender to replace Oliver Glasner as Crystal Palace manager with the club also interested in Getafe’s Jose Bordalas and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez. (Talksport)

Sunderland have no intention of selling DR Congo midfielder Noah Sadiki, 21, to Manchester United but are willing to listen to offers for fringe players such as English goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, 25, and former England Under-20 midfielder Dan Neil, 24. (Sun)

Everton have enquired about the availability of Sunderland‘s 25-year-old French striker Wilson Isidor as they look to strengthen their attack. (Mirror)

Sheffield Wednesday’s 17-year-old English defender Yisa Alao is edging closer to a January transfer to Premier League giants Chelsea. (Sheffield Star)

Stoke City have agreed a 5.5 euro (£4.8m) fee for Go Ahead Eagles striker Milan Smit. The Dutch forward will sign a three-and-a-half-year deal once he completes a medical this week. (ESPN NL – in Dutch)

Premier League Wolves are the latest club to express an interest in signing Bristol City attacking midfielder Anis Mehmeti. The Albania international is out of contract at the end of the season. (Football Insider)

Serie A side Genoa have approached Sheffield United to sign out-of-favour Swedish centre-back Nils Zatterstrom. The 20-year-old moved to Bramall Lane from Malmo in August but is yet to make an appearance for the Blades. (La Repubblica – in Italian)

Preston North End remain keen on signing Portsmouth forward Callum Lang after failing with a £2m bid in the summer transfer window. (Lancashire Post)

Ipswich Town have agreed a loan-to-buy deal with Chelsea for teenage forward Frankie Runham. The Blues will retain a buy-back option on the 17-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano)

Crystal Palace scouts have been watching Hull City captain Charlie Hughes as they seek a long-term replacement for Marc Guehi. (Football Insider)

Wigan Athletic have had a third bid rejected by Accrington Stanley for defender Benn Ward. League One rivals Stockport County, Bradford City and Reading are also interested in the 22-year-old. (Pete O’Rourke)

League Two promotion contenders Salford City are plotting an ambitious move for Millwall striker Macauley Langstaff. (Alan Nixon – subscription required)

Salford are also lining up Burton Albion captain Udoka Godwin-Malife. The 25-year-old has made 18 starts this season at the heart of the Brewers defence. (Pete O’Rourke)

Gillingham have made two unsuccessful bids for Ross County striker Ronan Hale. The 27-year-old Northern Ireland international wants to play in England. (Kent Online)