Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Manchester United this summer if they made an offer for him, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Reds are keen to strengthen their attacking options this summer for Ruben Amorim with a new number nine seen as a priority signing, with Matheus Cunha already arriving from Wolves while talks are ongoing for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
But looking at options for the centre-forward position has proven to be difficult so far, and now the club has been encouraged in their interest in the England international.
Sources: Watkins Open to Man Utd Move
Red Devils have held talks with Aston Villa
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins pointing
Watkins, who has been described as 'elite', has emerged as a target for INEOS and Amorim as they look to strengthen the attack, with reports earlier in the window suggesting that the club had held talks with Aston Villa about his a potential transfer.
GIVEMESPORT have now been told by sources that the belief is the England striker would be interested in making the switch to Old Trafford this summer if a move became a realistic option.
So far this summer Man Utd had prioritised a move to sign Liam Delap, before he chose to join Chelsea instead, while there was also strong interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres before he prioritised a move to Arsenal.
Ollie Watkins' statistics for Aston Villa this season
Now United have got Watkins in mind in case they can afford to sign a proven striker during the window, with all of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia expected to be sold or loaned out having been exiled from the first-team squad.
Now that Watkins would be open to the move, with Aston Villa having missed out on Champions League football too, it's possible United will step up their interest later in the window once they are able to raise the funds.
Aston Villa Value Watkins at £50m+
Exact asking price remains unknown
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins celebrating scoring a goal
One issue for Man Utd could be any potential asking price that Villa set, with Watkins being their clear first-choice striker currently at Villa Park following Jhon Duran's sale during the January transfer window.
While it's currently unclear what their asking price is, it is known that Villa will demand in excess of £50m - but the final price could prove decisive on whether Man Utd choose to push ahead with a move.
There are still question marks over Rasmus Hojlund's future too, and should the Dane leave Old Trafford then any fund raised by his sale could potentially go towards a move for Watkins.
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All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 16/07/2025.
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