Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins continues to be linked with a summer move to Manchester United as Ruben Amorim targets a new striker.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may be just what Manchester United need in their current predicament.
United have no European football to offer prospective new signings and are poised for another transition season under Ruben Amorim. That may yet put Watkins off a move to Old Trafford, who will at least be able to play in the Europa League if he stays at Villa Park.
But if United can convince Watkins that Amorim’s side are the right destination – he represents the perfect short-term solution for the club. Villa‘s striker might not take United to their ultimate aim of a league title or Champions League win, but he’s the perfect stepping stone for where they currently are.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United have identified Watkins as their preferred target, but 22-year-old RB Leipzig frontman Senjamin Sesko is also under consideration, as they approach the final weeks of the transfer window.
Transfermarkt currently value Watkins at €40million (around £35m) – a fee unlikely to be accepted by the Villans. Villa’s current stance is that the England international is not for sale.
But it may easily change if a suitable fee arrives for a player who turns 30 in September. It would then become a question over whether United should pay such a high fee for someone who has very to little sell-on-value.
It’s a problem the club continue to have in shifting some of their unwanted talent. United are struggling badly to sell Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia – and are limited with potential incomings as a result.
Garnacho has been linked with a transfer to B6, so a potential swap deal could be explored. Yet Villa letting their main striker go for someone who would still represent a gamble would surely only benefit United.
United desperately need a new No.9 and Watkins fits the bill ahead of a huge 2025/2026 season for Amorim’s men.
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2025-07-30 14:00:00
