Manchester United are keeping tabs on Ollie Watkins, adding the Aston Villa forward to their fast-shrinking striker shortlist.
According to The Athletic, Ollie Watkins is a player Manchester United are keeping tabs on this summer. The Aston Villa star emerged on their shrinking striker shortlist, as Erik ten Hag is desperate to land a proven centre-forward ahead of the new season.
Massive developments behind the scenes at Manchester United have shrouded Erik ten Hag’s transfer plans into jeopardy. The Dutch manager wanted a swift resolution to some key positions in his squad. But the Red Devils are nowhere close to landing their preferred targets.
For starters, there are doubts about how much farther Manchester United will pursue key target Mason Mount. After Chelsea rejected their initial £40 million offer, the Red Devils are preparing a second bid, although they are unwilling to pay the £75 million asking price.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag wanted the club to sign the central striker on priority. More than anything, the Dutchman wanted a reliable goalscorer to lead the line as he could no longer rely on Anthony Martial to lead the line. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford did play in the central role 19 times last season but prefers his left-sided role.
Hence, Ten Hag was pushing for Harry Kane. But Manchester United were priced out of a deal by Tottenham’s massive asking price. Moreover, the Red Devils’ hierarchy was not eager to deal with Daniel Levy, which could have led to a protracted saga.
They have monitored a host of other names like Randal Kolo Muani, Victor Osimhen and even Rasmus Hojlund. Owing to Manchester United’s interest in the latter, Atalanta reportedly raised their asking price to over £85 million, which certainly prices the Red Devils out.
They may appear to pivot towards Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as a potential target. The English international has had a wonderful season, scoring consistently over the last three campaigns, including finding the back of the net 16 times this past campaign. He could become the reliable goalscorer ten Hag desires but faces the difficult prospect of convincing Aston Villa.
Watkins has two years left on his deal and could look at a potential offer from Manchester United. However, Unai Emery rates the England international rather highly, which would see the manager push the club to offer him new terms.
Watkins seems settled at Villa and may sign a new contract unless an extraordinary offer comes through. Moreover, Manchester United will also face the prospect of paying a huge fee for the striker, with the Midlands club in a comfortable position this summer.
Overall, Manchester United cannot decide regarding their primary striker target. Watkins ticks many of the boxes that ten Hag wants from his forward. But the Manchester United manager would have preferred to sign Kane had a deal been possible.
