Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Alexis Sanchez to Marseille, Kortney Hause to Watford, Diego Costa to Rayo Vallecano

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 27 July 2022

Transfer rumours: Sanchez to Marseille, Hause to Watford, Costa to Rayo Vallecano

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including Alexis Sanchez to Marseille, Kortney Hause to Watford and Diego Costa to Rayo Vallecano.

Marseille are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan attacker Alexis Sanchez this summer.

The Chilean is widely expected to leave Inter before the end of the transfer window, and Benfica have recently been credited with an interest in his services.

However, according to Corriere dello Sport, Marseille are also in the picture for the experienced forward, who is open to discussing a switch to the French outfit for the 2022-23 campaign.

Sanchez was a regular for his Italian side last season, making 38 appearances in all competitions, contributing nine goals and five assists in the process.

However, the 33-year-old's contract at San Siro is due to expire next June.

Aston Villa's Kortney Hause in action with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, September 25, 2021 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to The Athletic, Watford are keen to sign Aston Villa centre-back Kortney Hause on loan for the 2022-23 campaign.

Hause has not been involved in Villa's preparations for the new season due to a knee operation, and he is expected to be unavailable for the start of the new campaign.

However, the 27-year-old could be on the move before the end of the transfer window, with Watford said to be keen to loan him for their return to the Championship.

The former England Under-21s international only made seven Premier League appearances during the 2021-22 season, and the arrival of Diego Carlos has pushed him further down the pecking order at Villa Park.

Hause, who joined Villa from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2019, has another three years left to run on his contract with Steven Gerrard's side.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa pictured in September 2020 © Reuters

Elsewhere, over in Spain, Rayo Vallecano are reportedly in discussions with experienced forward Diego Costa over a move to the club on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Atletico Mineiro in January of this year, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent months.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Rayo have placed an offer on the table for the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea striker.

The report claims that a quick agreement between the two parties could see the 24-time Spain international make his debut in a pre-season clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

Costa previously represented Rayo on loan in 2012, scoring 10 times in 16 appearances for the club.

Swansea City's Ethan Laird celebrates their second goal on October 17, 2021 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to reports in Holland, Ajax have cooled their interest in Man United defender Ethan Laird.

The Dutch champions are looking to sign a new right-back this summer after losing Noussair Mazraoui on a free transfer, and there had been claims that Laird was a target for the club.

However, it is understood that Ajax have now cooled their interest in the 20-year-old, who was involved in Man United's pre-season tour of the United States.

Laird is back at Old Trafford this summer after spells on loan with Swansea City and Bournemouth during the 2021-22 campaign.