Aston Villa have been handed a golden opportunity to sign a "prolific" striker, with his club now open to sanctioning a departure this summer, according to a report.
Villa set sights on new striker amid Watkins uncertainty
Widespread reports have suggested that Villa have no interest in allowing Ollie Watkins to leave this summer, but they may find it difficult to hold onto the striker, given that he is thought to be really keen on a move to Old Trafford.
At the moment, Manchester United are battling Newcastle United for the services of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but there is a feeling that Ruben Amorim's side may not be able to match the Magpies' offer, which would force them to move on to alternative options.
Should that happen, the Red Devils could pursue a move for Watkins, with the 29-year-old of the belief that now is the right time to leave Villa Park, and Unai Emery's side have now started running the rule over potential replacements.
Last week, it was revealed that RB Leipzig's Lois Openda has been identified as a key target, should Watkins leave, but the 25-year-old is not the only striker on Emery's shortlist.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now assessing a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos, and they have been handed a golden opportunity to get a deal done, given that the French club are now open to a sale.
Ramos is looking to leave PSG this summer, given that he is no longer a regular starter, and there are plenty of potential suitors waiting in the wings, with Newcastle, Man United, Liverpool, Napoli and Juventus all named as interested parties.
PSG forward Goncalo Ramos
However, Villa may have to spend big if they are to get a deal over the line, as PSG are looking to recoup as much of the €65m (£56m) fee they forked out to sign the centre-forward as possible.
"Prolific" Ramos could be ideal Watkins replacement
The 24-year-old may be finding it difficult to force his way into Luis Enrique's plans, but he still managed to amass 19 goals in all competitions in the 2024-25 season, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has praised the striker for his performances at international level.
Luis Enrique has also singled the Portuguese striker out for praise in the past, saying: "If I have to talk to you about Ramos, I can only say that he has an iron spirit. He has a faultless ambition and he’s a very interesting player."
That said, Villa's number one priority this summer should be to keep hold of Watkins, given that the Englishman has already proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years.