Manchester United could step up their interest in Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins(Image: PA)
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is reportedly an option Manchester United could pursue if they sell Rasmus Højlund this summer.
While Højlund is said to be happy at Old Trafford, Inter Milan have shown concrete interest in the Denmark international.
Watkins was previously targeted by United in the summer of 2023, though Erik ten Hag ultimately opted to pursue Højlund instead.
According to The Athletic, United have already made contact with Aston Villa via intermediaries to explore a potential deal for Watkins.
The club has already signed Matheus Cunha this summer and is also expected to secure a move for Bryan Mbeumo.
A deal for Watkins could prove to be more cost-effective than signing Viktor Gyökeres, with whom United have been heavily linked in recent months.
Watkins has three years remaining on his Villa contract, having signed an extension in October 2023.
Last season, Watkins became Villa’s all-time leading Premier League scorer, netting his 75th goal in a 1–0 win over Bournemouth in May.
The 29-year-old scored 16 Premier League goals last season, following a 19-goal campaign the year before.
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