Manchester United could spring a surprise swoop for Aston Villa and England star Ollie Watkins this summer, according to reports – with the two clubs holding preliminary talks over a potential deal that would take the former Brentford star to the north-west in the coming weeks.
The report from The Athletic’s United correspondent, Laurie Whitwell, states that Watkins is on United’s list of potential centre-forward recruits in the event that Hojlund leaves the club.
There has been contact between United chiefs and Villa’s top brass, via intermediaries, to explore the prospect of a deal as United weigh up several striker options to replace Rasmus Hojlund, who massively underperformed last season with just four Premier League goals to his name throughout the campaign.
Conversations between United and Villa over Marcus Rashford’s future, following his loan spell at Villa Park in the second half of the campaign, included the prospect of Watkins being part of any deal. There were discussions, despite Rashford’s £40million release clause likely being less than any potential fee for Watkins – but Rashford’s desire to join Barcelona has put an end to that swap deal being a reality.
The star is currently on £130,000-per-week at Villa, and he could be joined by current teammate Emiliano Martinez, who has also been linked with a move to join up with Amorim.
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