Aston Villa have sent a fresh message to Premier League rivals Manchester United about their transfer target Ollie Watkins.
Manchester United are preparing for a major revamp of their attacking lineup this summer following a dismal 2024/25 campaign, which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League. A lack of firepower proved to be a significant factor in their struggles.
United have already made a statement by securing the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are currently in negotiations to land Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.
Meanwhile, the search for a recognised centre-forward is ongoing and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as one of the options being considered at Old Trafford.
Watkins has scored 44 goals across the last two campaigns for the Villains and would be another Premier League-proven option for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Villa send fresh message to United about Watkins
There has been initial contact from United with Villa about their star striker but these have only been to check on his situation, with nothing advanced over a move.
It has been claimed by transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke that Villa do not want to lose Watkins as he’s currently their only natural striker.
“If you look at Premier League proven [strikers], there’s not many better than Ollie Watkins”, he told Football Insider.
“But it’s a hard deal to do – Aston Villa don’t really want to lose Watkins, right now he’s the only recognised number nine in that Villa squad. It would be a big gamble.
“If Man United are looking at a good centre-forward to come in and improve their squad, Watkins would tick a lot of boxes. He’s a proven Premier League goalscorer.”
Watkins price tag revealed
Reports elsewhere have suggested that Watkins could end up costing the Reds around £60 million if they want to sign him this summer.
He still has three years remaining on his current contract at Villa Park and the Midlands club have effective solved their PSR issues through the sale of their women’s side to V Sports.
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Any deal involving that level of cash will not be done at Old Trafford until sales are confirmed, with several players on the transfer list this summer.
Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are among a group of players who will not return for pre-season next week to give them more time to find moves elsewhere.
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