Manchester United considers signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after conceding defeat in the pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.
Manchester United has turned its attention to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins after reportedly conceding defeat in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.
The club believes Gyokeres is set on joining Arsenal, making Watkins the next-best fit. Watkins’ consistent Premier League output has made him an attractive option for United, who are searching for a striker capable of leading the line and adapting to the demands of the modern game.
Aston Villa is reportedly asking for £60 million for Watkins, but United are hesitant due to the player’s age and limited resale potential. The club is unwilling to pay that much, given his age and lack of resale value. There were tentative talks over a player-plus-cash deal involving Marcus Rashford, but Villa rejected the notion.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim is reportedly keen on Watkins, valuing his tactical intelligence and proven output in the Premier League. However, the path to a deal is fraught with obstacles, including the need for United to shift multiple high-profile names, such as Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony.
Watkins may not be the marquee name fans dream of, but in the current climate, he might represent United’s most realistic option. The club needs to strengthen its attacking options, and signing Watkins would provide a much-needed boost to the squad.
United’s pursuit of Watkins is driven by pragmatism, with the club looking to make smart signings that fit within their budget. The deal would need to be structured in a way that works for both parties, but it’s unclear if Villa will be willing to compromise on the asking price.
