Transfer rumour roundup: Palace fight to keep Mateta, while January striker market heats up

Wednesday's whispers in the transfer market centre around Jean-Phillipe Mateta, Manuel Ugarte , and Fulham 's search for a striker.

The headaches at Crystal Palace continue. Fresh from Marc Guehi's departure and Oliver Glasner's managerial meltdown , the Eagles are now trying desperately to hold onto Jean-Phillipe Mateta in their talons.

After initial interest from Juventus , Aston Villa have now enquired about the French forward, report The Athletic. Mateta is keen to explore his options after evolving from misfiring forward to one of the Premier League's most reliable goal-getters in South London.

Villa's pivot towards Mateta comes amid complications over their pursuit for Tammy Abraham. Unai Emery had registered interest in the club's former loanee, but a current loan at Besiktas, from AC Milan, makes a January deal difficult.

Also on the lookout for goals are Fulham . Fresh from a rejected bid for PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi, the Eredivisie is a market the Cottagers are keen to explore.

Troy Parrott , of AZ Alkmaar, is of interest after his heroics for Ireland during the autumn. Fulham face competition, however, with The Independent revealing Wolfsburg and Real Betis are also in the race.

Manchester United 's desire to swap Manuel Ugarte with Sunderland for Noah Sadiki looks likely to be rejected, though there is interest in Ugarte if the club are keen to cash in. The Athletic say Ajax have shortlisted the Uruguayan, but want an initial loan deal.

Down on the South Coast, Bournemouth are closing in on their Antoine Semenyo successor. Fabrizio Romano has reported a deak has been reached with Vasco de Game for highly-touted winger Rayan . A €35m fee has been verbally agreed between the sides.

The Cherries had earlier enquired about Ethan Nwaneri , though the Arsenal