Crystal Palace have reportedly won the race to sign highly-rated Flamengo attacker Matheus Franca.
The 19-year-old has already made 54 senior appearances for Flamengo in all competitions, scoring nine goals, and he is said to have caught the attention of a number of European clubs this summer.
Both Chelsea and Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in Franca, but the Evening Standard claims that Crystal Palace are close to completing a £26m deal to sign the Brazil Under-20 international.
The report adds that the Eagles have agreed to pay an initial £17m for Franca plus £9m in add-ons, and he is scheduled to travel to London this week for his medical ahead of finalising a move to Selhurst Park.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson is in the market for attacking reinforcements following the departure of long-serving winger Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray on a free transfer, while the future of Chelsea-linked Michael Olise is believed to be uncertain.
Dropping down into the Championship and Watford have expressed their interest in free agent Alfredo Morelos, according to a report.
The 27-year-old has been without a club for over a month since running down his contract at Scottish giants Rangers, where he scored 124 goals in 269 appearances across a six-year period.
The Athletic reports that Morelos has been considering a possible move to Saudi Arabia, but he is now also pondering a switch to Watford.
The report adds that the Hornets are keen to recruit a new forward this summer and they are reviewing their options before making a formal offer.
Manager Valerien Ismael has seen Joao Pedro, Ismaila Sarr, Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher (on loan) all depart the club this summer, while Rhys Healey is their only notable attacking addition thus far.
Meanwhile, Swansea City are reportedly keen to sign Newcastle United right-back Harrison Ashby on loan.
The 21-year-old joined the Magpies from West Ham United on a permanent deal in January, but he struggled to break into Eddie Howe‘s lineup and is still waiting to make his senior debut for the club.
Ashby has featured several times in pre-season, though, and he scored the winning goal on his non-competitive debut in a 2-1 victory over Rangers earlier this month.
However, Kieran Trippier is regarded as Howe’s first-choice right-back and it is thought that Ashby could depart on a temporary basis to gain regular first-team football.
According to the Daily Mail, Championship club Swansea are exploring a possible loan move for Ashby, with new head coach Michael Duff hoping to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion.
The report adds that Swansea are also interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and Rotherham United defender Cameron Humphreys.
Staying with Swansea and striker Joel Piroe is reportedly attracting interest from newly-relegated trio Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton.
The 23-year-old Dutchman has established himself as a clinical goalscorer during his two years with the South Wales club, netting 41 goals in 88 Championship appearances.
Piroe has been tipped to leave Swansea this summer, though, as he has now entered the final year of his contract, and a number of clubs are believed to be keen to acquire his signature.
Football Insider claims that Leicester, Leeds and Southampton are all set to battle it out for Piroe, who is thought to be valued in the region of £15m.
Leicester are exploring the market for a new striker amid uncertainty over the futures of Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka, while Leeds are hoping to recruit a replacement for Rodrigo who has joined Qatari club Al-Rayyan.
Southampton, meanwhile, are managed by former Swansea boss Russell Martin, who is keen to lure Piroe to St Mary’s having already signed left-back Ryan Manning from the Welsh outfit.
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