Manchester United is looking for a new striker this summer and have a new target in mind with a deal that will be dependent on an exit from Old Trafford in the coming months
Manchester United has contacted Aston Villa with regard to the signing of Ollie Watkins while looking for a new attacker. The Red Devils are determined to improve their front line this summer after a gloomy campaign.
United has already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, while they are still trying to get a deal for Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo across the line. A more traditional center-forward is also on their list.
Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike have both been associated, but little progress has been made in the pursuit of the duo. But now it seems that United has a target a bit closer to home.
According to athletics, Watkins from Aston Villa has been added to their list of possible rush -hour signs. It has been reported that contact between United and Villa Chiefs has already been made via intermediaries to explore the conditions of a deal.
Conversations initially emerged for the loan from Marcus Rashford to the Midlands, but did not progress any further. Watkins is seen as a potential replacement for Rasmus Hojlund when he leaves in the midst of interest from Inter Milan.
Speaking of his future last month, the Danish attacker said: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I look forward to going on a summer vacation and then I am fully dedicated to the project that is going on.
“I know I can't get much to read things. I know what the facts are, and that is that I have a contract with Manchester United until 2030. I expect to play there, so I just get ready for a summer vacation and hopefully a good pre-season.”
As it looks now, a move to Old Trafford is not close to Watkins, even though a sale is beneficial for the PSR calculations of Villa. Ironically, he was on the list of United options in 2023, but instead they decided to move to Hojlund, who has endured a difficult time of things.
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The Red Devils prefer to sell the DANE and have accepted that they may have to accept a lower figure than its observed value. In the meantime, Villa Watkins appreciates around £ 60 million, since there is another three years on his contract.
However, that price will not be particularly easy for United to pay. Premier League Rivals Arsenal Baulk in that figure in January and also had conversations. They reportedly appreciated him at around £ 40 million.
Watkins enjoyed a striking season for Villa in the previous term, even though he was temporarily expelled by Jhon Duran prior to his move to Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old scored 17 goals and achieved 14 assists in all competitions.