Manchester United have made an approach to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as they assess options to strengthen their forward line ahead of the new season, sources close to the agent industry have informed CaughtOffside.
The Red Devils are keen to add a proven Premier League striker to their ranks, with Watkins identified as a key target by manager Ruben Amorim.
United’s interest in Watkins comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Rasmus Hojlund.
The Danish striker, who arrived from Atalanta for £72 million, has expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford despite interest from Inter Milan.
Man United could look to offload Rasmus Hojlund
However, there are suggestions within the club that a sale could be considered to help balance the books and create space in the wage structure as United look to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations while reshaping the squad under Amorim.
Watkins has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most reliable strikers, having enjoyed success with Aston Villa.
Villa, aware of the growing interest, are demanding a fee in excess of £60 million for their star forward, who scored 16 Premier League goals in 2024/25, and while United are prepared to meet this valuation, they are facing significant competition for his signature.
Arsenal, who had a £40 million bid for Watkins rejected in January, remain interested and could revisit the deal should they fail to land their primary targets, including Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.
Chelsea are also monitoring Watkins’ situation, though their current strategy prioritises younger attacking profiles.
Amorim, who is keen to strengthen United with Premier League-proven talent, sees Watkins as a perfect fit for his system, valuing the striker’s ability to contribute immediately while fitting into his playing style.
Ruben Amorim wants Premier League proven players
The Portuguese manager wants to sign proven Premier League players for the Red Devils and that is why he signed Matheus Cunha. His pursuit of Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo also shows that.
Villa’s failure to secure a Champions League spot and the looming constraints of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules have further fueled speculation about Watkins’ potential departure.
There is strong interest from Man United in the Aston Villa attacker but they are expected to face intense competition to sign him.
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If Villa can get 60m for Watkins he goes. Its the last chance to cash in on him. Then Villa will bring in the younger version of him in Nico Jackson, not my favorite replacement, but Emery loves him and he’s got almost identical stats as Watkins, including missing big chances. Villa sold womens team for 55m and concert venue building for 50m, getting 60m for Watkins and selling off fringe players for 50m brings the transfer kitty up to 215m minus 15-30m set off to deal with last financial PSR. Thats a minimum of 185m in funds, can then at least invest in 350 worth of player incomings if its on an affordable wage. Villa would probably not have to spend that much, but it makes for at least two young world class players to be brought in. Villa need a LW, RW, CB, RB , a backup striker and a nr 2 keeper after Robin Olsen left. If Martinez and Watkins leaves they must be replaced by world class players like Lucas Chevalier and Hugo Ekitike, players of that ilk.
Man United definitly not need another 30 year old flop who cant score 20 league goals. it will.be another overpaid flop who will.be hard to get rid off. United font have plan or strategy. they are already panicking. no top players wants them so they now looking for unwmated flops all around. Next season relegation is more and more possible. 80m Warkins is fine but 80 for gyokere etikite or.sesko is too much, deluded hierarchy