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Manchester United have set their worth for Ollie Watkins, whilst Aston Villa maintain out for an enormous payment for the striker.
Watkins on United’s striker wishlist
United head coach Ruben Amorim is on the hunt for a confirmed goalscorer to steer the road after an especially underwhelming 2024/25 season, and Watkins has emerged as an choice for the membership.
Within the present switch window, United’s coverage has been centred on signing gamers who’re already accustomed to the Premier League, as evidenced by the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively.
Watkins falls on this class, with the England worldwide thought-about among the finest talismans within the prime flight.
He plundered a powerful 17 targets final time period, 16 of which got here within the Premier League. That is even if he misplaced his place within the crew to Marcus Rashford within the latter half of the marketing campaign.
In 2023/24, Watkins netted 19 Premier League targets whereas offering a further 13 assists in 37 Premier League appearances.
A report lined by The Peoples Individual earlier this month relayed that United have held talks with Watkins’ camp relating to a possible swap to Previous Trafford. There’s a perception that he’s open to the transfer.
United slim down their striker choices
It’s understood that United are actually taking a look at simply two strikers – Watkins and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
The Crimson Devils are presently assessing the necessities for each offers. As soon as they’ve gathered all the required particulars, the membership will resolve which transfer to prioritise.
Whereas United appear to have a free run at Watkins, there may be stiff competitors from Newcastle for Sesko.
The Magpies have recognized Sesko as the proper substitute for Alexander Isak, who has made it clear that he’s eager to depart St James’ Park amidst overtures from Liverpool.
United and Villa far aside of their valuation of Watkins
In line with ESPN, there stays a major hole between United and Villa of their valuations of Watkins.
The information outlet reveals, “United, in accordance with sources, are assured Sesko would decide United over Newcastle — regardless of Eddie Howe’s crew qualifying for the Champions League — in the event that they press forward and start talks with RB Leipzig.”
“Villa, in the meantime, are insisting they won’t let Watkins depart. There may be, although, a perception at United that the appropriate supply may tempt Villa to half with the 29-year-old, who was the topic of a bid from Arsenal in January.”
“United are unlikely to match the £60 million ($80m) supply submitted by Arsenal six months in the past and as an alternative worth the England man at nearer to £45m.”
ESPN observe that the gross sales of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia may go a great distance in serving to United finalise a deal for Watkins.
Featured picture Richard Heathcote through Getty Pictures
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