Ollie Watkins has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United, as the Red Devils look to revamp their forward line this summer.
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United interested in WatkinsVilla may need to sell for PSRFuture of Hojlund unclearFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
As per The Athletic, Watkins is on United's list and is viewed as a cheaper and more reliable option than other striker targets. Old Trafford executives have been in contact with Aston Villa over potential terms of a deal for Watkins, whose current deal runs until 2028, and Villa reportedly value him at £60 million ($82m).
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A reliable Premier League striker with 75 goals in 184 games in the top flight, a move for Watkins would continue Ruben Amorim's approach of targeting already Premier League-proven forwards, following the signing of Matheus Cunha and the continued pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo. United are hoping to sell Rasmus Hojlund this summer, with Inter Milan interested despite the striker's reported desire to stay with the Red Devils.
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Former Brentford striker Watkins has hit double figures in each of his seasons in the Premier League with Villa, finding the net 16 times in the league in 2024/25 despite playing 600 less minutes than in the previous two seasons. A swap deal had been considered in recent months involving Watkins and Marcus Rashford, but Rashford's desire to join Barcelona put an end to those plans.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR WATKINS AND UNITED?
The Red Devils will hope to sign a striker this summer, though that may depend heavily on if they can sell the likes of Rashford, Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, among others such as Real Betis target Antony. Their transfer business this summer could have a major impact on whether Amorim is able to build a squad capable of succeeding under his demanding system, with big-name exits just as important as incomings. Watkins has reportedly been interested by the prospect of a new challenge after previous transfer links away from Villa Park, though it is not known whether he would be open to moving to Old Trafford and missing out on European football next season.