United believe a deal in the region of £40-45m could be done for the striker
Manchester United have reportedly narrowed down their striker search to two main targets: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
It is certain that United are interested in signing a new centre-forward before the close of the transfer window.
The club have already added forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer but want a focal point upfront, someone who can reduce the goalscoring burden on Rasmus Hojlund, if not replace the Dane.
No formal offers have been made so United are purely in a discussion phase. The club have reportedly made enquiries as to what it would cost to bring either of those two to Old Trafford this summer.
Player sales are a huge factor, as United have exhausted readily available cash and would need to sell any or all of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho to be able to finance additional transfers.
Villa’s official stance is that Watkins is not for sale. However, the people at Old Trafford reportedly believe that a deal could be done in the region of £40-45m.
Watkins turns 30 next year but United consider his Premier League experience as a key asset.
The forward has scored double-digit league goals in each of his five top-flight seasons, and contributed 24 goals and assists in the league last season, ranking just behind Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland among strikers.
Sesko, meanwhile, would be the costlier option, with Leipzig expecting to receive a figure in the region of £70m for him. It is unlikely that United would do a deal, as cost and Premier League experience are important considerations at Old Trafford this summer.
