Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is ‘ready to join’ Manchester United if they are unable to sign Benjamin Sesko, journalist Dan King has claimed.
The England international reportedly remains keen on a summer move to Old Trafford, despite United shifting their focus to pursuing a deal for Sesko in recent weeks.
The Red Devils have submitted their first offer worth £74m for the talented Slovenian, who is believed to be closing in on a move to Manchester after agreeing personal terms.
Watkins is seen as an alternative to Sesko for now – a move for the 29-year-old would only come to fruition if they are unable to land the Leipzig starlet.
Ollie Watkins Still Keen on Man Utd Move
Red Devils are prioritising Benjamin Sesko
Ollie Watkins during a pre-match warm-up with Aston Villa
According to King, Watkins is still keen on departing Aston Villa before the transfer deadline and feels 'the time is right to embark' on a new challenge in the coming weeks.
The 'elite' England international has been heavily linked with a move away over the past 12 months and was a target for Arsenal in January, while Man United reportedly held club-to-club talks last month.
Willing to offload players to boost their PSR situation, Villa are said to be open to Watkins’ departure for a fee of around £40–50m.
Man United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Sesko, as the Slovenian striker is now believed to be prioritising a move to Old Trafford over Newcastle.
The Red Devils are now said to be confident they will be able to get a deal over the line for the 22-year-old, having already agreed personal terms.
Ollie Watkins' Aston Villa Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
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Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 0 6 -08-25.