Ollie Watkins named as United striker target

Manchester United had been linked to Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins on Monday by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, who famous Watkins was initially a part of a proposal for a everlasting switch provide for Marcus Rashford.

Whereas Rashford to Villa is now trying unlikely with Rashford’s desire for a transfer overseas, Whitwell maintained that Watkins is taken into account an choice if the membership is ready to transfer Rasmus Hojlund. He additionally famous that the present precedence is finalizing a transfer for Bryan Mbeumo, a deal that’s reportedly near completion after one other bid from the Reds final week.

The Danish ahead has had a tough time at United since becoming a member of in 2023, scoring simply 4 Premier League targets in 32 appearances final season. His taking part in time was not impacted by the change in supervisor, however Ruben Amorim’s frustrations with the assault had been clear. Hojlund continued to begin with the supervisor missing an alternate choice on the place.

Watkins has had a profitable time at Villa since becoming a member of the aspect in 2020, scoring 75 targets in 184 Premier League appearances and reaching double figures in 5 successive seasons. He completed the final marketing campaign with 16 targets and eight assists within the league, and has 5 targets and 18 caps for England.

Nevertheless, Watkins turns 30 this yr. He’s below contract with Villa for 2 extra seasons and can probably command a good elevate from his roughly 130k/yr wage (per Spotrac). He doesn’t match the best profile for switch targets (younger/coming into their prime), however he’s a confirmed expertise within the Premier League and might be a pleasant addition for depth/choices on the place. There hasn’t been a lot discuss of a charge, and there are not any concrete hyperlinks but, however a transfer for Watkins must be a secondary/surplus striker choice reasonably than a precedence, particularly with United tight on spending room till they’ll transfer gamers.