The very latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours as Aston Villa finalise a deal for a striker.
Ollie Watkins in action for Aston Villa.
Ollie Watkins was a topic of interest for Manchester United this summer.
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images.)
Manchester United could be handed a potential route to snap-up Ollie Watkins despite Aston Villa's firm stance regarding the 29-year-old. Ruben Amorim's side have been searching for attacking reinforcements in addition to their double move for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
United are now closing in on a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after, seemingly, beating Newcastle to the Slovenian's signature. Old Trafford chiefs have tabled a bid worth £65.3million plus £8.7million in add-ons to the Bundesliga outfit with the player's preference to join the club despite a higher offer from Newcastle.
Despite failing to secure European football or qualify for the Champions League - something Eddie Howe's side could offer him - Sesko preferred a move to the North West with United advancing their interest after receiving encouragement for his signature.
It came after they turned focus from Watkins following Villa's firm stance that the 29-year-old was not for sale.
Leipzig were receptive to offers for the 22-year-old Sesko following previous interest from Arsenal, as well as the recent pursuit from the Magpies.
Meanwhile, BBC Sport have reported that Villa are closing in on a new striker after reaching an agreement worth £26million, plus £4.3million in add-ons, for OGC Nice's Evann Guessand.
The Ivory Coast forward is said to be in the Midlands on Wednesday for a medical in a move that could be the first major signing of the summer at Villa Park.
Unai Emery's side are set to land Guessand, who was previously of note to Crystal Palace, but it remains to be seen what the role will be for the 24-year-old with Watkins still in the building.
BBC Sport have claimed that the Ivorian's imminent arrival has been part of a long-term plan to replace Jhon Duran after his move to Al-Nassr.
United loaned Marcus Rashford to the club in January, but they failed to exercise the option in the deal that would have made his temporary spell permanent in the Midlands.
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