Manchester United are interesting in signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and his stance on such a move has finally been revealed.
Manchester United are preparing for a significant revamp of their attacking lineup this summer following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League. A lack of goals was a major factor in their struggles.
The club has already made a statement signing by securing Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million and are currently in negotiations to land Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.
Meanwhile, the search for a proven centre-forward is ongoing, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins emerging as a strong candidate.
Watkins, who has scored 44 goals across the past two seasons, is viewed as a dependable, Premier League-proven option for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Watkins stance on United move
Watkins was almost on the move in January as well, with Arsenal submitting a £60 million bid for the England international, but Villa opted against selling him.
Now, according to reports from GiveMeSport, the Midlands side are demanding in excess of £50 million for Watkins while other outlets are suggesting that they are looking at replacements.
It was also added that Watkins is open to a United move and interested in the prospect if it ends up becoming a realistic possibility.
Should he end up at Old Trafford, Watkins would be linking up with England teammate Kobbie Mainoo, a player he has described as ‘unbelievable’ beforehand.
Villa considering Garnacho bid
In the meantime, this doesn’t seem like the only potential deal to be done between United and Villa this summer, with Unai Emery’s side interested in Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine winger is up for sale this summer but only wants to join another club in the Premier League, which slims down his potential options.
Reports have constantly stated that Chelsea hold an interest in him but there has been no movement on that front so far this summer.
Instead, according to MailSport, Villa have registered their interest in the 21-year-old and are weighing up whether to make a bid for him.
Some have suggested that United and Villa could work together with the moves of Garnacho and Watkins to benefit each other’s PSR position.
There is also Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez who United are interested in, which makes this an interesting potential transfer story this summer.
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