Man United move for Watkins could be step closer as player now up for sale
Ollie Watkins’ exit from Aston Villa could be getting closer as Manchester United look set to step up their interest.
Watkins is a prized asset at Villa, and given the struggles to fund incomings this summer, Unai Emery’s side will fight tooth and nail to keep the striker.
Newcastle and Man United have shown interest in the forward, should either team be unable to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Man United cause Watkins worry as they look to sell Rasmus Hojlund
Watkins has been prolific for the Villans since sealing a switch from Brentford, having made 129 goal contributions in 223 appearances.
Last season, the striker continued to shine and contributed 31 goals across all competitions for Emery.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 38 | 16 | 8 |
| Champions League | 12 | 1 | 4 |
| FA Cup | 4 | 0 | 2 |
Villa have been keen to avoid losing key players this summer, having already knocked back offers from United for Emi Martinez.
The Red Devils now appear set to pursue Watkins, as the wheels seem to be in motion in United’s search for a new striker.
According to ESPN sources (3 August), they are now open to offers for Hojlund and are interested in either Sesko or Watkins, with the latter surely more likely at this stage given Newcastle’s pursuit of Sesko.
- Villa have put a £70million price tag on Watkins
- The striker surpassed Gabriel Agbonlahor as Villa’s all-time Premier League scorer at the end of last season, reaching 75 goals
Aston Villa can’t afford to lose Watkins
Villa would regret losing Watkins should they give in to pressure from United.
The striker could be the difference between playing European football beyond next season and struggling in midtable.
Emery’s side have shown that they don’t have the funds to compete with Premier League rivals this summer, and should they sell Watkins, it would be hard to find anyone who could fill his boots.
The striker contributed to 41.4 per cent of the Birmingham outfit’s Premier League goals last season.
Even with a potential of £70m coming in for the forward, with the insane prices of strikers being thrown around this summer, Villa would be in trouble.
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