Manchester United are looking to sign Benjamin Sesko but have, reportedly, received encouragement over a possible alternative deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Isaac is a senior NCTJ-trained journalist with an MA in News Journalism. He has experience of working for national and regional news organisations including the Express, the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo. He currently covers sport across all regional sites at Reach PLC.
Ollie Watkins in action for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.
(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Manchester United are less than two weeks away from their Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim's team concluded their pre-season tour of the United States on Sunday night by clinching the Premier League Summer Series title.
United managed a 2-2 draw against Everton - ending the tournament with two victories and one draw. And the squad have since returned to England, where they will resume training at Carrington.
The summer transfer window remains open - with United being linked with several potential new recruits. A new striker is Amorim's top priority, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko the prime target. Newcastle are also competing for the Slovenia striker's signature - although it's now being widely reported that United currently have the upper hand and are said to have submitted a bid for the player.
Below are some of the latest United headlines, as well as a view on each one;
Watkins latest
The Sun claims that Aston Villa might be open to Ollie Watkins' wish for a new challenge, due to their pressure to comply with PSR.
Villa are reportedly eager to generate funds through the sales of players - such as Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey - but they haven't garnered the interest they anticipated. The report further suggests that United could lure Watkins away from Villa Park with a bid ranging between £40million and £50million.
Villa's current stance is that the England international is not for sale, but that may soon change if a suitable offer arrives for a player who turns 30 in September.
Isaac Seelochan from The Manchester Evening News says: "There is a reasonable argument that Watkins would be a better option for United in their current state.
"The Villa forward has the Premier League experience Sesko doesn't have and could be a better short-term option - something which may serve Amorim better in the upcoming season."
Maguire pathway
The Daily Mail claim that United have rebuffed approaches from clubs in the Premier League and Italy for centre-back Harry Maguire.
The report also claims that interested parties have been told the likelihood is that Maguire is likely to extend his contract. It is also claimed that the England international, 32, wants to spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford.
Isaac Seelochan from The Manchester Evening News says: "There are still some question marks over whether - or not - Maguire is ultimately good enough to lead United back to where they want to be.
"However, he has served the club well and deserves to stay as they look to rebuild their squad under Amorim."