Manchester United have held a fresh set of talks surrounding Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as Rúben Amorim hunts for a new striker.
Manchester United are looking to rebuild their attack this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals proving to be a major issue.
Bruno Fernandes led the scoring with 19 goals, while only three other players managed to reach double figures in all competitions.
To address those attacking shortcomings, United have invested £127.5 million in the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who combined for 35 Premier League goals last season.
With both wingers now on board, Rúben Amorim’s side are turning their attention to bringing in a striker to lead the line.
Watkins remains on rectuitment list
With Amorim favouring Premier League experience this summer, Aston Villa’s Ollie Waktins has been a name closely linked with the Old Trafford outfit.
According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, United held fresh talks over Watkins in the last few days, although Villa are remaining firm on this £60 million valuation.
However, Jacobs insists that, if the player’s price were to drop, they would be prepared to advance on their interest.
Although it’s stated that Villa have no plans to alter their position unless they find a replacement, the club have been recently linked with Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, indicating that this is a scenario that could well change.
Beyond this, it has also been reported elsewhere that Watkins would be open to joining the Old Trafford outfit this summer.
Watkins move spells trouble for Højlund
United’s initial interest in Watkins was reported by The Athletic earlier this summer. However, it was stated that the potential arrival of the 29-year-old could be contingent on No. 9 Rasmus Højlund leaving.
But, it has since been claimed by the Manchester Evening News that United’s current squad are unconvinced that Højlund is the man to lead the line for the club next season, and amid Amorim’s search for goals and Premier League experience, Watkins could be a perfect fit.
Watkins has scored at least ten goals in all five of his previous Premier League campaigns, and would be a player who could gel well with new signings Cunha and Mbeumo.
Højlund is also gathering interest from the Serie A, with the likes of AC Milan and his former club Atalanta both having been linked in recent weeks.
This could well become a one-to-watch situation in the next few weeks as the window starts to creep towards its climax.
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