Manchester United are searching for a new striker and may yet target one of the Premier League’s top marksmen this summer.
Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup has already received one major boost after Manchester United snapped up Matheus Cunha.
United still want Bryan Mbeumo to go alongside Cunha, with the duo expected to play behind Amorim’s centre forward.
The identity of that striker is still unknown, though, as doubts surround the future of Rasmus Hojlund.
The Dane struggled with just four Premier League goals last season, and United may look to cash in just two years after signing him.
United may battle Arsenal for Hugo Ekitike, but a striking option closer to home is now being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against West Ham United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Manchester United interested in signing Ollie Watkins
The Athletic now report that United have had contact with Aston Villa over a potential move for Ollie Watkins.
Reports earlier this year suggested United were keen on Watkins in a swap deal for Marcus Rashford.
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It’s now suggested that United did enquire about Watkins while discussing Rashford’s future at Villa Park.
United sent Rashford on loan to Villa in January, but he is now back at Old Trafford this summer, with no permanent move agreed.
United still fancy Watkins, though, and the England international is considered to be a target if Hojlund moves on.
Villa missed out on Champions League football and may believe that this is the right time to cash in on Watkins as he approaches his 30th birthday.
United’s interest has not advanced to anything more than initial dialogue over a move, but Watkins will be a name to watch if Hojlund secures a move away this summer.
United considered Ollie Watkins before Rasmus Hojlund deal
The Athletic also note that United were interested in signing Watkins in 2023.
However, Erik ten Hag and United’s recruitment team decided to prioritise Hojlund and finalised a deal to sign the Dane from Atalanta.
Two years on, United may come back in for Watkins again and go for proven Premier League quality after the move to sign a prospect such as Hojlund produced mixed results.
Watkins has racked up 75 goals in 184 Premier League games, notching double figures in each of his five top-flight campaigns.
Hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by Douglas Luiz, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail, Watkins has proven himself year after year in the Premier League.
United have focused on Premier League quality by signing Cunha and targeting Mbeumo, with Watkins potentially the missing piece of the puzzle in attack.