Manchestter United seems to have passed from Ollie Watkins, at least for the time being, but there is a new hope that the striker of England could still be available
Manchester United has removed their attention from Ollie Watkins and towards Benjamin Sesko. However, fresh developments can still enable them to come back for the Aston Villa star.
Villa's asking price on Watkins seemed to be a bottleneck, with United seem reluctant to renounce the best part of £ 60 million. The side of Unai Emery was reluctant to sell, given their lack of backups in the event of attack, but they are now an eye on alternatives.
Strangely enough, Villa's most important attacking target Sesko's teammate Lois Openda. According to reports in Belgium, the Premier League side has investigated a movement for Lois Openda for a number of months, whereby the interest is reportedly mutual.
The Belgian international striker Openda scored 41 goals as a Leipzig player for two seasons, but could be available after the German club had missed the European qualification. However, it is reported that Villa has to sell Watkins before they can strengthen their attack.
Villa has had a quiet window so far, with the Dutch Starlet Zepiqueno Redmond their only attacking recruit. They could not seal permanent movements for Loanese Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, so they had fewer options for attacks.
Sesko and Watkins are both appreciated by their respective clubs about £ 60 million. However, United is more willing to spend that type of money for a player who is more than seven years younger than the English star.
Slovenia International Sesko, who became 22 in May, has 39 goals in two Leipzig seasons. He was also a target for Arsenal before she dived to Viktor Gyokeres, while Newcastle could still jump if they lose Alexander Isak.
While United was waiting to add their attacking ranks, their current crop had the opportunity to show what they can do for the goal. Ruben Amorim's side is in the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, where they made two victories of two with a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth.
United scored twice in every half, with Rasmus Hojlund among those to find the net. They play Everton on the weekend before completing their pre-season campaign with a home-friendly against Fiorentina on August 9.
Danish striker Hojlund is a player who can still be sold to raise money in a summer that United has already seen more than £ 100 million split to bring Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford. “I am really happy with Rasmus. But I don't know what will happen until the end of the market,” said United's head coach.