Transfer News

Liverpool have reportedly "intensified their interest" in Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell and will look to beat a host of Premier League rivals to his signature this summer. 

Cantwell, 21, made his Premier League debut against Jurgen Klopp's side in August and has been one of the most impressive players at Carrow Road during a tumultuous top-flight campaign.

The Athletic's David Ornstein (h/t Joanna Durkan of This Is Anfield) wrote the playmaker is expected to cost £30 million irrespective of whether Norwich are relegated this term.

Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also said to be in the running, although Liverpool are understood to have stepped up their pursuit since the January transfer window closed.

Cantwell has scored six times and recorded two assists in 26 Premier League appearances for the Canaries (22 starts), second only to Teemu Pukki (11 goals, three assists) in direct goal involvements.

The England under-21 international has played largely off the left flank for Norwich this term, but StatsBomb highlighted his profile as a well-rounded midfield utility in late January:

Todd Cantwell, Norwich City 2019-20.

What can't Todd do well?

(Fires self into the sun.) pic.twitter.com/PwVeVpfdoc

— Hudl Statsbomb (@Statsbomb) January 23, 2020

Klopp could allow Adam Lallana to leave Anfield on a free transfer this summer when his contract is due to expire. Lallana—who turns 32 in May—has made only three Premier League starts this season, though his deal contains the option of an additional year should Liverpool opt to extend his stay.

Reds coach Klopp got another look at Norwich product Cantwell when Liverpool won 1-0 at Carrow Road on Saturday thanks to a 78th-minute Sadio Mane winner:

Tough to take pic.twitter.com/vSm8HgUkQl

— Todd Cantwell (@ToddCantwell_10) February 15, 2020

Ornstein added that Cantwell's display "impressed members of the [Liverpool] playing and coaching staff" despite emerging on the losing side.

It looks unlikely that Norwich will remain in the top flight beyond this term, with the Norfolk outfit sat at the bottom of the Premier League and seven points adrift of safety with 12 matches remaining.

Manager Daniel Farke also appears aware of the interest in one of his most coveted assets, per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge:

Daniel Farke says Norwich need a ‘little miracle’ to stay in the Premier League. Also insists Aarons & Cantwell should stay at the club for a few more years. Good to visit my old university today, too. #NCFC #afinecity pic.twitter.com/dO9Szqv3h9

— Michael Bridge (@MichaelBridge_) January 24, 2020

Takumi Minamino has slotted into Liverpool's plans and played mostly on the right wing since his January signing, providing a promising alternative to first-team star Mohamed Salah.

Cantwell could perform a similar role on the left and add competition behind Mane were he to arrive at Liverpool, who look certain to face stiff competition for the emerging Englishman.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reminded Paul Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, that the player belongs to the club rather than him.

Earlier in February, Raiola stated that the 26-year-old is hoping to return to Juventus:

Raiola: “Pogba to Juventus? Italy is like home for Paul. He’d like to come back to Juventus but we’ll see what will happen after the Euros. Pogba wants to play at the best level but he can’t escape by Man United if they’re in a difficult situation...” 🛑 #MUFC #Juve #Pogba

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 14, 2020

I talk to Juventus and their vice-chairman Pavel Nedved about many things, including about Pogba and other players, as is only right for a big club.
You need to get information, see what's happening, put down a few hypotheses, dream a little. #mufc

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) February 15, 2020

"I've not spoken to Mino, that is for sure," Solskjaer said, per Goal's Josh Thomas. "And, no, I haven't sat down and told Paul to tell Mino what he should say. Paul is our player and not Mino's."

Ankle injuries have restricted Pogba to just eight appearances in all competitions this season, the most recent of which came against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Per BBC Sport's Simon Stone, Solskjaer was asked whether the midfielder will play for the Red Devils again:

OGS says he gave Paul Pogba permission to miss @ManUtd training camp. On if he will play for club again: “Well of course, I'd like to say that as soon as he gets fit, he'll be good enough to play for the team. I'm sure Paul's desperate to play for us again.”

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 16, 2020

The coach added:

"As a player the last thing you want is to be is injured and not being able to contribute to your team.

"Paul's a footballer and he wants to play football. He knows he has to work hard now to get back to his best as he's been out for so long. It's a challenge as well for him to get back to his shape.

"It's a difficult period in your career [being injured] but it is part and parcel of being a player—so I'm not going to give you a headline that his season has been such and such."

Pogba underwent surgery on his ankle on January 7, and Solskjaer had said he could be out for up to four weeks as a result.

The Frenchman is already well beyond that time frame, and he's not yet back in training with his team-mates. Solskjaer offered an update on his recovery, saying he has been able to start running on a treadmill "so hopefully we can see him back soon."

The lack of creativity in United's side without Pogba has been abundantly clear throughout the campaign. They have failed to score in 11 games in all competitions this season, while on 13 occasions they have found the net just once.

United signed Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP in January after the playmaker racked up 63 goals and 52 assists in 137 games for the Portuguese club. His arrival should improve United's firepower and creativity, but for the Red Devils to be at their best, they need both players in the side, so Pogba's return can't come soon enough.

As for his future at the club beyond the end of the season, Pogba will have just one year left on his contract at Old Trafford this summer. United may have to sell him to recoup the £89 million they spent on him in 2016 or risk losing him for free in 2021 if he's unwilling to sign a new deal. However, the club has an option to extend the deal for a further year.

Much could depend on whether the Red Devils qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.

United face fourth-place Chelsea—who are six points ahead of them—on Monday. However, Manchester City's two-year European ban is likely to result in the fifth-placed finisher getting a Champions League spot because the Sky Blues will almost certainly finish in the top four.

Solskjaer's side are five points off fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Monday's game in hand against Chelsea.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has spoken of his excitement at what Hakim Ziyech will bring to the club next season. 

The Blues confirmed on Thursday they have agreed a deal with Ajax for the transfer of the Morocco international, with the player joining in the summer subject to personal terms being agreed.

Speaking to Chelsea's official website, Lampard noted he had seen Ziyech's creativity firsthand this season and said he believes the winger's productivity will be a big asset to the team:

"I know his qualities. He's a player we hope can bring creativity. He first came to my attention watching him play in Ajax's Champions League run last year and I thought he was one of their standout players, particularly in the games against Tottenham.

"... This season, we've come up against him twice so I know a lot about him. He has a great left foot, plays generally off the right-hand side but can play in behind the frontman as well. When you look at us this season, there have been games where we've maybe struggled to unlock the door, and he's certainly a player who we hope can bring that bit of creativity.

"He will be something different for us so we're excited. I know he's not coming in now but I think it's exciting for us as a club and for the fans to know that he'll be here next year."

Ziyech has scored some great goals for Ajax:

Your favourite 𝙕𝙞𝙮𝙚𝙘𝙝 goal? _______🖋

We’ve selected…🧙‍♂️
➊ Valencia (A)
➋ Tottenham Hotspur (H)
➌ Real Madrid (A)
➍ …watch! ↓

#𝚆𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚛𝚍𝙾𝚏𝙰𝙼𝚂

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 13, 2020

Squawka Football summed up how much of an influence Ziyech has had on the team in Amsterdam:

Hakim Ziyech in the Eredivisie since 2017/18:

⬢ Most shots
⬢ Most assists
⬢ Most crosses
⬢ Most through balls
⬢ Most chances created
⬢ Most final third recoveries
⬢ Most Big Chances created
⬢ Most goals outside the box

Yup. Dominant. pic.twitter.com/gyhF7cOjTy

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 13, 2020

Chelsea were frustrated in their attempts to add to the squad in January, but Lampard will be delighted to have such a quality player ready to come aboard in the summer.

Ziyech has lit up the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons. He is capable of firing shots at goal, creating chances and dribbling past opponents.

B/R Football's Sam Tighe thinks the signing is a smart one and will set the precedent for a busy transfer window for the Blues:

Ziyech is great. Wand of a left foot, positionally versatile, presses hard.

Fantastic pickup for Chelsea, great start to what is probably a pretty busy year of transfers for them.

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) February 13, 2020

StatsBomb provided a breakdown of where Ziyech tends to have the biggest influence:

Hakim Ziyech. You gotta be really good at a whole lot of stuff to justify a shot chart that looks like that. And he is. pic.twitter.com/Am1Rnjiyl1

— Hudl Statsbomb (@Statsbomb) February 13, 2020

With Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willian jostling for spots in the team in attacking midfield berths, Chelsea are stacked with talent. 

Ziyech's class and versatility means he will almost certainly be a regular starter at Stamford Bridge in 2020-21 and beyond. It will be intriguing to see how one of European football's most enigmatic talents deals with the robust and high-tempo nature of English football.

Bayer Leverkusen star Kevin Volland has said he believes the style of football played in the Premier League could suit him. 

Volland, 27, has been linked with Arsenal in the past. According to MailOnline's Toby Miles, the Gunners have sent scouts to watch him play. 

Their interest will likely be piqued by Volland's latest comments, in which he told Sport1 (h/t Goal) that he is interested in playing in England:

"The Premier League is a very interesting league for me. The pace is extremely high, the league requires a lot of readiness to run and that would be fine for me. But you never know what will happen. I am not the type of person who says: I have to definitely play again in England, Italy or Spain. I feel very comfortable in Leverkusen and leave everything open."

A 10-time Germany international, Volland has been at Leverkusen since 2016, when he joined from Hoffenheim for €18 million.

He has since netted 43 goals in 109 Bundesliga games, including nine in 21 this season.

Volland has played predominantly as a No. 9 in 2019-20, but he is also more than capable of operating on either flank.

As his return of 15 Bundesliga assists over the last two seasons indicates, he is as comfortable creating goals as he is scoring them.

Arsenal already have numerous options in attack. Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe are all talented, versatile forwards, and 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli has shown huge promise this term:

'Arteta is not messing about' - Steve Sidwell @morrisonclinton and @sjsidwell discuss Martinelli's form for Arsenal

🎧 Listen to #5livepremsunday with @Steve_Crossman 👇
⚽️📲 https://t.co/dSNpBaf8rI#bbcfootball #BURARS pic.twitter.com/lc3wss91Yo

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) February 2, 2020

But the Gunners have struggled for goals overall. Their tally of 32 goals in 25 Premier League games is the same as Aston Villa's and has them on track to score fewer than 50 goals in a league campaign for the first time since 1995-96.

As a result, new manager Mikel Arteta may look to make some changes to his front line in the summer, and it appears Volland could be interested in a move to north London. 

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has played down reports he has agreed to join Real Madrid. 

Ahead of the current campaign, there was plenty of speculation regarding the Dutchman's future, with Los Blancos said to be among the clubs keen to acquire his services. Speculation was ramped up again in January.

However, Van de Beek is adamant negotiations are not that far advanced, per reports cited by Sport (h/t Football Espana).

"It makes no sense," noted the 22-year-old. "I can't control what people say. I think it is premature. I have often said: I will not hurry; I am fine here. If it happens, it happens."

According to De Telegraaf, personal terms were agreed between Van de Beek and Madrid last summer, with the two clubs settling on a €55 million (£45.7 million) sum to get the deal done.

Van de Beek rose to prominence last term as part of Ajax's brilliant run in the UEFA Champions League. The midfielder netted crucial goals in away wins over Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur, with the Dutch side progressing to the semi-finals of the competition.

A number of key players moved on last summer, including Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong to Juventus and Barcelona respectively. It was confirmed on Thursday that Hakim Ziyech will make a move to Chelsea at the end of the campaign too.

Van de Beek will be expected to follow those big names out of the door, given he is establishing a reputation as one of the most effective attacking midfielders in European football.

The Dutch Football Twitter account detailed the high-profile transfers expected to happen this summer:

Sergino Dest to Bayern Munich
Hakim Ziyech to Chelsea
Donny van de Beek to Real Madrid

Three major departures already on the cards this summer for Ajax.

— Dutch Football 🇳🇱 (@FootballOranje_) February 12, 2020

In the swashbuckling Ajax team of 2018-19, Van de Beek offered something a little different to other midfielders in the squad.

The team was based on refined movement and technical skill in possession. While the midfielder is a capable passer, his game is centred around breaking lines to get into dangerous areas.

Van de Beek frequently gets into goalscoring positions untracked and is a smart finisher:

Donny Van de Beek in the Eredivisie and Champions League since the start of 2017/18:

✕ 101 games
✕ 31 goals
✕ 23 assists

A man of many talents, but one 'goal face'. 浪 pic.twitter.com/5b9UsubyOV

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 8, 2020

The Ajax man is on 10 goals for the current season, with his ninth coming in the recent victory over Sparta Rotterdam:

⚪🔴 Donny van de Beek slots home to put Ajax in front!

🔥 That's a 9⃣th goal of the season for the in-demand 22-year-old pic.twitter.com/zMr8drFexl

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 19, 2020

Madrid have a high-class crop of midfielders on their books currently, with Fede Valverde providing serious competition to the world-class trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro this season. 

Van de Beek's attacking instincts and nose for goals would give the team something different. If Madrid can get this over the line, he would be a savvy acquisition.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba would like to return to Juventus, according to his agent, Mino Raiola. 

Pogba has endured a difficult 2019-20 as injuries have restricted him to just five Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.

Per Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, his exit from Old Trafford in the summer seems inevitable after he stayed put for another season despite saying last June "it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else."

Raiola has now said Pogba's future will be decided after UEFA Euro 2020, and a return to Juventus could be on the cards, per Italian football writer Fabrizio Romano:

"Pogba feels at home in Italy; Italy is like his second home or family, same feeling as [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. That's why Paul would like to come back to Juventus. But we'll go to speak about that just after the Euro 2020. Pogba wants to play at the best levels always...but he can't escape by Manchester United now, in this moment where the club is not having a good period."

Pogba's contract at United runs to the end of the 2020-21 season, but the Manchester giants have an option to extend it by a further year.

Per Solhekol, the Red Devils valued Pogba at £150 million last summer.

It seems unlikely they will get any club to pay such a huge fee for him now, especially given that he has been sidelined for most of the 2019-20 campaign and blown hot and cold throughout his time at Old Trafford:

No doubting Pogba is a world class player - but he’s not been world class anywhere near enough for United. Both sides need to move on. He’s far from irreplaceable

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) January 29, 2020

At the very least, though, United will still be eager to recoup the £89 million they spent on re-signing the France international from Juve in 2016.

All parties will likely benefit if Pogba returns to full fitness again before the end of the season and puts in some good performances.

According to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, the 26-year-old is hopeful of returning to outdoor training inside two weeks and could then be available to play soon after that.

If he returns by mid-March, he could have a crucial role to play in United's run-in.

Depending on how results go until then, particularly in Monday's visit to Chelsea, United's hopes of finishing in the top four could be slim by the time Pogba is back as a three-game winless run has seen them drop to eighth:

Back 🔜 pic.twitter.com/kWwCYtQ9wn

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 12, 2020

But the Frenchman could yet have a key role to play in United winning some silverware this term.

Their fifth-round clash against Derby County in the FA Cup is scheduled for March 5 after they return to UEFA Europa League action with their last-32 tie against Club Brugge.

Liverpool have reportedly contacted Borussia Dortmund to lodge their interest in signing Jadon Sancho in the summer. 

According to Adrian Kajumba and Dominic King of the Daily Mail, the Reds join Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona in pursuing Sancho, and Dortmund are expected to demand at least £100 million for the England international.

Kajumba and King added Liverpool are hopeful manager Jurgen Klopp's connections with the club he managed between 2008 and 2015 could give them an edge in the race for the 19-year-old.

Liverpool's status as 2018-19 UEFA Champions League winners and Premier League champions-elect will also likely help their chances of snapping up Sancho.

It is no exaggeration to say that he is one of the best attackers in Europe:

Across Europe’s top five leagues this season, only 2 players have registered 10+ goals and 10+ assists:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jadon Sancho (12⚽️ & 13🅰️)
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi (14⚽️ & 11🅰️)

Two of the world’s finest. 🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/2r5r4jRsE2

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 12, 2020

As a result, Sancho may feel that a move to United or Chelsea, who are struggling for a Champions League place let alone challenging for the title, would be ill-befitting of his status:

I don't think people realise just how well Sancho is playing. Both these clubs would be a step down on his trajectory. https://t.co/pMoTxetRQE

— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) February 12, 2020

That would leave Barca, Real and Liverpool in the race, as well as City, the club he left in 2017 because he was not getting enough game time under manager Pep Guardiola.

The club that succeeds in signing Sancho is likely to be the one that will offer him the biggest role. Liverpool may be at a disadvantage in that respect given they already have an indisputable front three consisting of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

Meanwhile, finances could become an issue for Liverpool.

The Anfield giants have spent a huge amount of money in recent years building one of the Premier League's greatest sides, but unlike City, they do not have unlimited resources.

Per David Ornstein of The Athletic, it is widely accepted that Sancho's superb spell at Dortmund will come to an end in the summer. However, the German club could try to keep hold of him until after UEFA Euro 2020, when he might be an even hotter property if he stars for England at the tournament:

Will be interesting to see whether Dortmund agree to sell Jadon Sancho before the Euros.
Have heard they might hold out just incase he is one of best players at the tournament and his value increases even further 💰

— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) February 12, 2020

Sancho's contract at Signal Iduna Park runs until 2022, so Dortmund are under no pressure to sell him, and if a bidding war ensues, it is possible Liverpool could be priced out of the race.

Getafe President Angel Torres has confirmed that striker Angel Rodriguez has a €10 million buyout clause amid rumours he is wanted by Barcelona.

Following injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele, Barca may be able to make an emergency signing outside of the transfer window, and Rodriguez is among the forwards they have been linked with.

Torres told Catalunya Radio (h/t Marca): "It's not a problem with his release clause [if Barcelona show interest]. I can't deny a boy that has performed spectacularly for us [the chance to go to] such a big club. The clause is €10 million."

The president said he does not think the Catalan giants will make a move for Rodriguez, though, and added:

"I have a very good relationship with Barcelona, and I don't have any problem with them. They've been unlucky enough to have had injuries to two forwards.

"If there was something, no one from Barcelona has made contact with me as of yet. If there was interest, they would've done; I have a direct feed with the president [Josep Maria Bartomeu] and [assistant sporting director] Ramon Planes."

Barca will be without Suarez until May after he had knee surgery in January, while Dembele has been ruled out for six months after he had surgery on his hamstring on Tuesday. As a result of those injuries, Barcelona may be eligible to recruit another attacker:

The rules start that under exceptional circumstances and if certain conditions are met (e.g. doctors have to agree Dembélé will be out for 5+ months) a club can sign outside of the transfer window. Only from within Spain, though

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) February 5, 2020

Rodriguez will be 33 in April, but he's enjoying an excellent campaign. In La Liga, only Lionel Messi, Suarez, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Levante's Roger Marti have scored more than his nine goals this season. He's incredibly effective coming off the bench:

7 - Ángel Rodríguez has scored more goals as a substitute than any other player in the top five European leagues this season (seven goals). Hunter. pic.twitter.com/snLidvO3cH

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 5, 2020

In all competitions, the striker has 13 goals and two assists to his name despite making just 11 starts. It's the third season running he's hit that goal tally for Getafe, so this campaign is set to be his best yet for the club.

His departure could significantly derail Getafe's bid to finish in La Liga's top four—they are third after 23 matches—but if Barca activate his clause, there's little they can do.

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has told Barcelona they must pay €70 million if they want to sign forward Willian Jose. 

Alguacil told reporters that the Catalan giants will have to meet the player's release clause if they want to bring him to the Camp Nou and added that he expects the 29-year-old to stay at his side at least until the end of the season:

"If they put the 70 million euros on the table then fine, there's nothing left to say. The whole thing about Willian Jose is starting to get a bit much. He's our player and he wants to continue to be our player. I don't know how long for but as far as I understand it he’ll be with us until the end of the season."

Willian Jose has emerged as Barcelona's top target after the club were granted permission to bring in a replacement for Ousmane Dembele outside of the transfer window by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), according to Sky Sports News.

Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that Dembele would miss the next six months after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring:

⚠️ MEDICAL UPDATE | @Dembouz undergoes successful hamstring surgery; French striker to be out 6 months

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 11, 2020

The club are already without Luis Suarez, after he underwent knee surgery in January, leaving them short on attacking options.

Willian Jose has eight La Liga goals for the Basque side this season and attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, per Fabrizio Romano at the Guardian.

Yet Alguacil's comments mean Barca are likely to look elsewhere as the club "only have a budget of up to €12 million" to spend on a new addition, according to Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens at ESPN FC. Real Betis striker Loren Moron and Getafe's Angel Rodriguez are also options, per the report.

Girona striker Cristhian Stuani is another player who has been mentioned, per Deportes Cuatro (h/t Spanish Football Podcast):

Deportes Cuatro say Cristhian Stuani is Barça's no.1 target if they're allowed to sign an emergency striker, ahead of Ángel, Loren, Willian José https://t.co/PiNMxEBNpk

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) February 5, 2020

Barcelona manager Quique Setien has told reporters it is "obvious" his club need to bring in a striker and added that there are "several names on the table."

Currently, the 61-year-old has Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Ansu Fati as his only attacking options, and the coach seems unwilling to play the trio together in case of another injury, according to Hugo Cerezo at Marca.

Setien will be hoping Barca can strengthen as they face some crucial league fixtures in the coming weeks. The defending champions play third-placed Getafe at the Camp Nou on Saturday, while their next away match is against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has said he is open to a summer move, having previously been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Doucoure told French television station Canal+ (h/t Mikael McKenzie at the Daily Express) that he wants to stay in the Premier League and does not expect his club to stand in his way if a good offer arrives.

"If a big club manages to make an interesting offer for me, of course the club will let me leave, easily. A club that plays in the Champions League is the goal, but I don’t have a particular one in mind.

"We're little by little arriving at the end of the cycle. Maybe the club (Watford) has certain expectations for me, I don’t really know them yet, but I can still progress and still do good things, so if I were to change clubs, it would be to go up a level.

"I'm happy in the Premier League. I want to stay in the Premier League, that’' my main wish. Then we'll see what’s on offer, or not, for me this summer."

The 27-year-old moved to Vicarage Road from Ligue 1 side Rennes in February 2016 and has proved to be a hit with the Premier League team. He won Watford's Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards in 2017-18:

🏆 | #watfordfc fans have chosen Abdoulaye Doucouré as their 2017/18 Graham Taylor OBE Player of the Season!

What a season, @abdoudoucoure16! 🙌👏🐝 pic.twitter.com/Wnqox0tYVP

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) May 10, 2018

The midfielder's impressive performances saw him rewarded with a new, five-year contract in August 2018.

Doucoure has largely played as a holding midfielder for Watford but has been pushed into a more advanced role under manager Nigel Pearson to good effect, as shown by Goal:

Abdoulaye Doucoure is a top midfielder 👌pic.twitter.com/0SXPaT37uf

— GOAL (@goal) February 10, 2020

The Frenchman has attracted interest from elsewhere during his time in England. Everton saw a bid of £36.7 million rejected in August 2019, according to Sky Sports.

Manchester United have previously been linked with Doucoure. In March 2018, Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mirror reported the Red Devils would battle Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and rivals Liverpool for his services, and the Mirror's Darren Lewis wrote that Chelsea were keen on signing the midfielder in January 2019.

A move has yet to materialise, though United are expected to spend on reinforcements this summer. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told a fans' forum in early February that the upcoming transfer window is an "important opportunity" for the club, per Peter Lynch of Goal.

Watford have so far managed to hold on to their talented midfielder but may struggle to keep him, particularly if they are relegated from the Premier League. The Hornets are currently in 19th place in the table but only a point from safety.