Manchester United is prepared to trade Marcus Rashford for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, while Bayern Munich is interested in Chelsea’s midfielder.

United consider Watkins-Rashford swap

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a swap deal that would see Marcus Rashford make a permanent move to Aston Villa. In exchange for Rashford, along with a cash sum, United are keen to secure the services of Villa striker Ollie Watkins, according to the Daily Star.

The publication states: “Manchester United are considering a shock swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins.” Rashford has recently joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season following a fallout with United boss Ruben Amorim. It remains uncertain whether he wishes to return to Old Trafford, where club officials are eager to offload him this summer.

If Villa decide to make Rashford’s loan permanent, it could open the door for Watkins to seek more playing time elsewhere. The striker was a target for Arsenal last summer, but Villa turned down their advances. However, should Watkins express a desire to leave, United would contemplate offering Rashford along with a significant cash payment to bring the 29-year-old England international to Manchester.

Arsenal face battle for Garcia

Arsenal may face stiff competition from Real Madrid in their pursuit of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Reports from Spain suggest that if Thibaut Courtois departs Real, Garcia could be in line to replace him at the Bernabeu.

The Mirror notes: “Arsenal are bracing to take on Real Madrid in a transfer battle for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia.” The 23-year-old emerged as a key target for the Gunners last summer as Mikel Arteta sought a backup for first-choice David Raya. The late departure of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton complicated Arsenal’s pursuit, leading them to settle for a loan move for Bournemouth’s Neto, who has only featured once this season.

While Neto has spent the year on the bench, Garcia has continued to shine for Espanyol, playing every minute of their La Liga campaign as they chase European qualification. According to Cope, Courtois’ age and injury concerns have prompted Real Madrid to search for a replacement. Current backup Andriy Lunin is expected to seek an exit this summer, making Garcia a player of interest for Los Blancos, who are ready to battle Arsenal for his signature.

Bayern keen on Chelsea midfielder Santos

Andrey Santos has caught the eye of Bayern Munich due to his impressive performances for French side Strasbourg. AC Milan are also said to be interested in the 20-year-old, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The paper states: “Bayern Munich are maintaining a watching brief on Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos as he continues to impress on loan at Strasbourg.” The young talent has had a standout season in the French league under Liam Rosenior, netting ten goals this term.

Santos joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 for £17.5 million, and the club is keen to assess his progress during pre-season before deciding on his future. While AC Milan have been monitoring his situation, Bayern are believed to be more serious in their interest in the young Brazilian international.

Brentford expect offers for Mbeumo

Brentford are bracing themselves for offers for Bryan Mbeumo, whose impressive form in the Premier League this season has not gone unnoticed. The Athletic reports that Newcastle United could be among the clubs looking to make a move in the summer transfer window.

The website explains: “After six years of steady progress — a period during which he has often lived in the shadows of other forwards at the club who grabbed the headlines — Mbeumo is unquestionably now the main man at Brentford.” The 25-year-old has been largely underrated since the club’s promotion to the Premier League in summer 2021, but his performances this season have put him firmly on the radar of Europe’s top clubs, with Newcastle among his admirers.

Brentford received no formal transfer interest for Mbeumo last year, but they are preparing for that to change soon. His current contract runs until the end of next season, but the club holds an option for an additional 12 months, making this summer the optimal time for them to consider a sale.