United hold “fresh” talks to sign experienced £60m striker, could be game-changing signing – report

2

Manchester United are prioritising signing players with Premier League experience this summer.

United started their summer transfer business by triggering the release clause of Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Matheus Cunha. 

After Cunha’s capture, United secured the services of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. The £71m right-winger is joining the Red Devils on the back of a prolific Premier League campaign where he scored 20 goals.

Both Cunha and Mbeumo are expensive purchases, but the duo arrive as Premier League-proven attackers. As per multiple reports, Ruben Amorim wants to take the same approach when searching for a new striker.

Late in June, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Ollie Watkins is on United’s list of “potential centre-forward recruits in the event that Rasmus Hojlund leaves the club.”

Now, as per Talksport’s Alex Crook, the Red Devils have made “fresh contact” with Aston Villa over a possible deal for their number nine.

The 29-year-old forward is considered one of the most well-rounded strikers in the Premier League, having impressed fans and pundits alike with his movement, hold-up play, and finishing instincts.

The England international scored 17 goals and registered 14 assists across all competitions last term, underlining just how complete his game is.

A striker of Watkins’ ability could prove to be a game-changing signings for the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo, as both wide playmakers like to make runs in behind.

Crook, however, adds that United are yet to place a formal bid for Watkins, as the arrival of a new number nine is “likely to be dependent on sales.”

Watkins, who has three years remaining on his contract at Villa Park, is valued at £60m by the Birmingham outfit.

Should United fail to raise considerable funds from sales, they might explore the possibility of signing a stop-gap solution in a cut-price deal.

It has been previously reported that the Mancunians have been offered the opportunity to sign several free agents, namely Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jamie Vardy and Callum Wilson.”

However, United would “only advance on these, if at all, towards the end of the window if they do not get any of their top targets.”

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social