Ollie Watkins emerges as Man Utd transfer target as 'talks held' with Aston Villa

Manchester United have made contact with Aston Villa regarding the signing of Ollie Watkins as they search for a new forward. The Red Devils are determined to improve their frontline this summer following a dismal campaign.

United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, while they are still attempting to get a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo over the line. A more traditional centre-forward is also on their list.

Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike have both been linked but little progress has been made in pursuit of the duo. But now, it appears that United have a target a little closer to home.

According to The Athletic, Aston Villa’s Watkins has been added to their list of possible striker signings. It is reported that contact between United and Villa chiefs has already been made via intermediaries to explore the conditions of a deal.

Conversations initially surfaced ahead of Marcus Rashford’s loan move to the Midlands but did not progress any further. Watkins is seen as a potential replacement for Rasmus Hojlund should he leave amid interest from Inter Milan.

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Speaking about his future last month, the Danish forward said: "I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I'm looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway.

"I know I can't get much out of reading 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'm just getting ready for some summer vacation and then hopefully a good pre-season."

As it stands, a move to Old Trafford is not close for Watkins despite a sale being beneficial for Villa’s PSR calculations. He was ironically on United's list of options in 2023 but they instead decided to move for Hojlund, who has endured a tricky time of things.

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The Red Devils would prefer to sell the Dane and have accepted that they might have to accept a figure lower than his perceived value. Meanwhile, Villa value Watkins at around £60m given there is still three years remaining on his contract.

That price will not be particularly easy for United to pay though. Premier League rivals Arsenal previously baulked at that figure in January having also held talks. They reportedly valued him at around £40m.

Watkins enjoyed another standout season for Villa last term despite having temporarily been ousted by Jhon Duran ahead of his move to Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old scored 17 goals and notched 14 assists in all competitions.

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