Watford, Crystal Palace and Brentford in Matthew Garbett transfer fight as New Zealand star, 19, impresses at Olympics
WATFORD, Crystal Palace and Brentford are keeping tabs on New Zealand hotshot Matthew Garbett.
The 19-year-old striker played alongside Burnley’s Chris Wood in their nation’s Olympic football 0-0 draw with Romania in Tokyo on Wednesday.
And scouts of the Premier League trio were impressed with London-born Garbett’s display as New Zealand clinched an historic first quarter-final spot against hosts Japan on Saturday morning.
Garbett is one of the most sought-after teenagers in Europe after joining Swedish second-tier club Falkenbergs in January 2020.
That switch from NZ Central Premier League followed his stand-out displays in the 2019 Under-17s World Cup.
And if Watford win the race he could take manager Xisco Munoz’s summer signings into double figures.
Having already recruited nine players for their Prem return, Munoz is also eyeing St Mirren’s attacking midfielder James McGrath, 21.
Blackburn turned down the Hornets’ £15million bid for striker Adam Armstrong.
But Munoz landed ex-Bournemouth frontman Josh King from Watford on a free transfer from Everton earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Palace have completed the £17m signing of ex-Fulham loanee Joachim Andersen.
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The Lyon centre-back, 25, impressed for the Cottagers last term and for Denmark at Euro 2020.
It follows Chelsea midfielder Myles Peart-Harris, 18, joining the Bees on a four-year deal following their promotion to the Prem.
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