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Manchester City will re-sign James Trafford for £27m after the goalkeeper rejected Newcastle to return to his former club.

City, who sold the 22-year-old to Burnley two years ago, activated the matching rights clause they put in that deal when Newcastle agreed a fee with the promoted club.

And Trafford, a long-term target for Eddie Howe, decided against going to St James’ Park in favour of a move to the former Premier League champions.

Trafford will sign a five-year deal, with City possessing the option to extend it for a further season, and personal terms have been agreed.

Manchester United have been firmly rebuffed by Aston Villa after an informal inquiry over a possible move for Ollie Watkins.

United made the inquiry on Thursday evening but were told that Watkins ‘is not for sale’.

Watkins is just one of a few strikers United have looked at along with others including Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

With a valuation of around £60m, Watkins is one of the cheaper options United are exploring and has proven Premier League quality.

If they do pursue a deal then it will be difficult to convince Villa to part ways with their man.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, for a final fee of €63m (£55m) with a further €10m to potentially be paid in add-ons (totalling £64m).

The 27-year-old has signed a five-year contract.

The purchase marks the end of an 18-month hunt for a number-nine from Arsenal, who have been insistent on signing a goalscorer for the “here and now”.

Gyokeres’ arrival also marks the end of a hard period of negotiations with Sporting, who were insistent on more achievable add-ons. At one point, the deal dragged on and stalled over a potential add-on of €5m.

The 25-year-old was not included in last week’s friendly defeat to Celtic due to “speculation”, and has now not travelled to Singapore for pre-season due to a thigh injury.

And Newcastle have been made aware that Isak is keen to consider his future elsewhere.

The Independent understands the Swede is currently in London for his medical, allowing Arsenal to turn their attention to other targets.

Arsenal are hoping to agree a fee that comes to £60m, rather than the reported £68m clause, although on terms that are also amenable to Palace.

Although there has not yet been any formal contact between the two clubs, the suggestions are that both will be flexible, amid good relations between the two boardrooms.