The latest Man Utd transfer news and rumours amid speculation on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Ollie Watkins in action for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with Manchester United.
(Image: PA)
Manchester United have been frustrated over their pursuit for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, as what promised to be a fast start to the transfer window has stuttered. Uncertainty over the future of Rasmus Hojlund at the club has led to links to Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as well, and some readers in The Manchester Evening News comments section would welcome a forward of Watkins' calibre at the club.
The Athletic reports that there has been contact between the two clubs, as United seek to tackle their biggest weakness - scoring goals. Watkins has enjoyed a good and consistent string of Premier League seasons in a row with Villa, scoring 15 times or more in each of the past three campaigns.
Watkins has three years left on his Villa contract - and being aged 29 - there's no great rush for player or club to secure a move. Arsenal made a failed bid for him back in January, at £40million - Aston Villa were after more like £60million to part with their only recognised striker at the time.
Some would be happy to take on the England international - even if he doesn't come with the status of being the future of the club in the same way a player like Viktor Gyokeres would. Reader GrogEisenbein says: "I don't see the problem with age. Ollie Watkins the same age as Casemiro was when Man Utd brought him from Madrid, and they didn't hesitate to pay £70million for him. At £60million Ollie is a steal."
Commenter Maxi25 says Watkins would one of his top picks: "This is the perfect front three for Man Utd this 25/26 season. Mbeumo - Watkins - Cunha. CEO and [Jason] Wilcox, make it happen."
Others want a younger, flashier name, though. Jacksibbald says: "Now, at 29-years-old I wouldn't pay more than £25million for Watkins! Utd however will probably pay double that and end up with another expensive average striker!"
Gheeme writes: "If we sign Watkins then we should've signed [Ivan] Toney last season instead. £60million for a 29-year-old is nonsense in the current market."
On our Facebook page, meanwhile, Ola Kareem says: "It's a YES for me, we don't have much cash to splash on our dream striker signing - and a low-budget Watkins with Premier League experience is an upgrade to Joshua Zirkzee and Hojlund...
"No European football next season and with the input of Cunha and a potential signing of Mbeumo will form a formidable front three to reckon with... Watkins is not bad as a striker considering the team he's currently in."
Kim Christian Hawkins writes: "If he's cheap then do it! Would score goals in this team." Thomas Magwaza agrees: "We need Watkins in the Man Utd squad as soon as yesterday."
Evans Otieno says: "Watkins is a very good striker and we should sign him instead of Gyokeres. With the speed of Watkins, Cunha and Mbeumo we can make it to the title again." Roy McEvoy would avoid this signing: "Don't think he's any better than what we have!"
Have your say! Could Ollie Watkins lead the line as Manchester United fight for the European spots next season? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.