David Ornstein has dropped the latest update in Manchester United’s pursuit of a striker, claiming that the Reds have ‘held enquiries’ over Ollie Watkins.
It was widely reported that Manchester United were going to bolster their attack on all fronts this summer, and it seems like a striker may be the final piece of the puzzle.
Having secured the signature of Matheus Cunha for £62.5million, and now closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, all that remains is somebody to lead Ruben Amorim’s line.
This comes due to a disappointing campaign in front of goal for the Red Devils, only mustering 44 goals as they finished 15th in the Premier League.
Many names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but nothing has come to fruition as of yet. This could be due to change; however, news from transfer specialist David Ornstein suggests that United have ‘held enquiries’ for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Watkins is on United’s radar
According to Ornstein on The Athletic’s YouTube channel, United have the England international on their radar and may have already made enquiries about a potential deal, despite Villa wanting to keep their man.
He continued by saying, “Ollie Watkins, as reported by our colleague Laurie Whitwell, is among those on Manchester United’s recruitment list. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t on the recruitment list of top clubs.
“He’s such a good striker and a good lad, and they’ve maybe held some enquiries with his camp. I’m not sure if that’s gone to Villa directly.
“From my conversations with Villa, they see themselves as having no intention to part with Ollie Watkins. They want him to continue with him up front for them.”
Would Watkins be the right fit?
With a plethora of different names being floated to take on the responsibility of United’s striker role for next season, many different opinions have been expressed as to who will be the right fit.
In the case of Watkins, he has proven himself at this level for some time, having scored 35 goals in his past two league campaigns.
Read More: Manchester United ‘reach agreement in principle’ for first summer sale as Rúben Amorim gets his wish
The 29-year-old would also be joining during the prime of his career, joining Mbeumo and Cunha to complete a front three of ready, Premier League-proven, efficient stars.
Although this move may provide far more short-term benefits than long-term, it has the potential to be the exact type of stopgap that can propel United back to the top of the table.
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