Manchester United are in talks about a deal to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The Red Devils are desperate to bolster their attacking options this summer for Ruben Amorim, and have already added Matheus Cunha to the squad in a £62.5m deal from Wolves.
The club are also closing in on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, but a natural number nine is also seen as a priority for the transfer window and the club have entered talks about a different target.
Man Utd In Talks to Sign Ollie Watkins
Unsettled star could seek new challenge
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins pointing
Man United have been strongly linked with a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres all summer with Amorim keen to reunite with the Sweden international. However, he is prioritising a move to Arsenal instead which has forced the Reds to pivot.
Now it's understood that the club have held tentative talks with Aston Villa about a move for Watkins, who has been described as "world-class", as they continue their search for a new striker.
Watkins reportedly became unsettled last season after the arrival of Marcus Rashford at Villa Park, and could now look to try a new challenge after the Villans failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Ollie Watkins' Aston Villa Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
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Rashford has returned to Man Utd following his loan spell after Villa opted against using their £40m option to make the deal permanent, and while INEOS would be willing to use Rashford in a swap deal to land Watkins, Villa are not interested at the £40m price.
it's believed that Watkins is valued at £60m, which could be deemed as too steep for United considering he is 29 now, but Amorim believes his goalscoring pedigree in England would make him a huge success at Old Trafford.
Despite having no European football of their own for the 2025/26 season, Man Utd are now planning to step up their interest in the England international and he could yet become the man leading the line for the club next season.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 03/07/2025.
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