Manchester United are believed to be considering a sensational player-plus-cash offer for Aston Villa’s prolific frontman Ollie Watkins, with rising star Alejandro Garnacho potentially included in the deal.
This move, reported by The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, highlights United’s growing need to reinforce their frontline while also balancing the books amid Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions.
Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly uncertain, with the Argentine winger not being viewed as a guaranteed part of the club’s first-team plans heading into the new season.
Man United want to use Garnacho to sign Watkins
United’s decision-makers are reportedly open to using the 21-year-old as a bargaining chip in negotiations to lure Watkins from Villa Park.
The rationale behind this bold approach is twofold. Firstly, Watkins, who earns £130,000 per week at Villa Park, fits the bill as an experienced and reliable Premier League striker.
The England international has hit double digits in league goals in each of his five seasons at Villa, making him an attractive solution to United’s ongoing scoring woes.
Secondly, the club is seeking to generate “pure profit” through player sales to remain compliant with FFP rules.
Ruben Amorim is looking for a reliable goal scorer
Man United are under pressure to find a consistent goal scorer after their frontline struggled throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed a combined total of just seven league goals last season, proving the need for a more clinical finisher at the top of the pitch.
While Aston Villa have not indicated any interest in parting with Watkins, especially so close to the start of the new season, United’s potential package could bring them to the negotiation table.
Apart from Watkins, the Red Devils are also keeping tabs on RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko.
Man United officials fly out to seal £60m move for player they tried to sign last summer
I think the Sesko move is being pushed by Ineos (the need for younger players where a profit can be subsequently obtained) and Vivell (who has connections to Leipzig and Sesko).
Amorim on the other hand wants to buy Premier League success quickly, as he knows his job depends on bringing success to Old Trafford.
If a deal can be struck to take Garnacho to Villa in exchange for Watkins, AND a swap taking Hojlund to Leipzig in exchange for Sesko, then that would be a good result all around.
If Sporting can do a deal with United, taking Zirkzee for Hjulmand, United then only have a goalkeeper issue to resolve.
Make brian robson manager of man u.
Brian robson for the new manager of man u.