Ollie Watkins has made it known he is a big fan of one “unbelievable” Manchester United player as Rúben Amorim eyes a summer transfer for the striker.
Manchester United are preparing to revamp their forward line this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals a major factor in their struggles.
Bruno Fernandes ended the campaign as United’s top scorer with 19 goals, followed by Alejandro Garnacho and Amad with 11 each. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player reached double figures across all competitions.
The club have already completed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are making headway in their pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Reports suggest Brentford are happy with a base fee of £55 million, with negotiations now focused on the structure of add-ons. Sources have informed UtdDistrict that a third bid is expected to be submitted on Wednesday.
United are also continuing their search for a central striker. While Viktor Gyökeres was a leading target, the Sporting CP forward is now believed to favour a move to Arsenal, prompting United to explore alternatives such as Hugo Ekitike and Ollie Watkins.
Watkins could be just what Amorim needs this summer
According to reports from last week, United have added Watkins to their list of potential strikers this summer, with it being further claimed that he continues to be a name deliberated within the walls of Old Trafford.
Reports suggest that United initially discussed the possibility of signing the 29-year-old striker with his current club, Aston Villa, during talks surrounding the future of Marcus Rashford, who had spent the final six months of last season on loan from United in Birmingham.
Amorim is keen to add players with Premier League experience to his squad this summer, and with Watkins having amassed 184 appearances in the competition, scoring 75 goals and providing 36 assists, he is a “perfect” option for the head coach.
However, it has previously been stated that Villa may want as much as £60 million this summer, although United’s interest in the last few days has had an “impact” at the Midlands club due to their precarious financial situation.
Watkins is known to be a big fan of Mainoo
On the subject of Watkins and Premier League experience, one player whom the striker has an evident admiration for is United’s Academy graduate and midfield star, Kobbie Mainoo.
Watkins has played with Mainoo on multiple occasions, and following the 20-year-old’s meteoric rise during the 2023/24 campaign, he was selected to be a part of England’s squad for the 2024 European Championships.
At the time, Watkins was quick to praise the young star for his “unbelievable” talent, explaining that it was obvious why he had been called into the England side despite having yet to complete a single season of Premier League football.
“Yeah, very mature. He doesn’t act his age. He’s very mature on and off the pitch. Again, unbelievable English talent,” Watkins explained while with Mainoo in the England squad last summer.
“Got the world at his feet. I can’t speak more highly of him. He’s athletic and the composure on the ball, to take the ball and receive it in tight areas as a midfielder.
“It’s, you know, I think that sets you apart, especially for the way we want to play. He is so comfortable on the ball. You can see why he’s so comfortable on the ball.
“You can see why he has been called into the squad because he has done it in his breakout season this year.”
There is a distinct possibility that Mainoo and Watkins could be linking up with each other for both club and country next season.
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