Manchester United eye Ollie Watkins
Manchester United are setting their sights on Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins as part of their summer striker search, with initial talks already underway.
According to The Athletic, United have opened preliminary discussions with Aston Villa over a potential move for the prolific forward. New boss Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his attacking options, especially with uncertainty surrounding Rasmus Hojlund’s future at Old Trafford.
Watkins: A Premier League Goal Machine
Since his £28 million switch from Brentford in 2020, Watkins has been a revelation. The 29-year-old has hit double figures in each of his last four Premier League campaigns and was directly involved in 24 goals across 38 games last season — only Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak outperformed him among Premier League strikers.
Watkins’ consistency and ability to deliver in big games have caught the attention of the Red Devils, who are craving a proven No.9 to lead the line next season.
Villa’s Stance and the £60 Million Question
Watkins is under contract until 2028 and remains a vital piece in Unai Emery’s system. However, Villa are reportedly open to selling the England international for the right price, especially with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) looming large.
Arsenal showed interest in the winter, only to be deterred by Villa’s £60 million valuation — a price tag that still stands. While the
fee might seem steep for a player nearing 30, United are seriously considering him as a ready-made solution.
What Next for United?
At this stage, United are focused on finalising a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo before making any major moves. The club is also working on player sales to raise funds and comply with financial fair play regulations.
A serious push for Watkins is likely to hinge on Rasmus Hojlund’s situation. If the Danish striker returns to Serie A, United could go all in for Watkins. If not, any move will depend on how much money they can generate through outgoing transfers.