Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing England striker Ollie Watkins this summer, but Villa old boy Gabby Agbonlahor says such a move does not make sense
Ollie Watkins in action for Aston Villa.
Gabby Agbonlahor has questioned why Ollie Watkins would join Man United
(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa hero Gabby Agbonlahor has questioned why Ollie Watkins would even consider a move to ailing Manchester United this summer.
The current Villa goal hero reportedly grew frustrated last season after dropping down the pecking order in key games behind on-loan Red Devils striker Marcus Rashford and PSG loanee Marco Asensio.
And with Villa also missing out on a Champions League spot on the final day after a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford, the 29-year-old Watkins is said to be weighing up his future options this summer.
It is known that Arsenal inquired about Watkins in January before being put off by Villa's asking price. And now, United are believed to be in initial discussions with Villa over a deal for the England man, with head coach Ruben Amorim viewing him as a perfect fit for his ailing forward line.
However, Villa are still said to want to the £60m that Arsenal were quoted for Watkins, who still has three years remaining on his current Villa Park deal. And that is an issue for United, who are reportedly reluctant to cough up that sort of sum for a player of that age and limited sell-on value.
But the Mirror reports that United's lack of European football next season could prove to be an even bigger barrier to Watkins agreeing a move to Old Trafford.
And questioning the logic behind Watkins considering a switch to Old Trafford, former Villa frontman Agbonlahor told talkSPORT listeners: "Moving to Manchester United is a backwards step. I don't get why he'd go there.
"I think if he wanted to leave, he'd go to a Champions League club, not Manchester United."
When asked, as a Villa fan, if he would be disappointed if Watkins left, Agbonlahor replied: "Of course, because that would say to me that you're choosing the team for maybe financial reasons, not [because they are] a better team.
"At the moment, I mean Manchester United, they're not going to finish higher than Aston Villa next season. Villa are playing in the Europa League, still playing in Europe. Manchester United aren't.
"The chances that he gets at Aston Villa, he won't get at Manchester United, so I don't see that move happening.
"I feel like it's maybe just a little rumour. If he's going to leave, then I'm sure he'll go to play Champions League football."