Manchester United have focused on adding proven Premier League quality this summer and now fancy signing Ollie Watkins.
Manchester United have taken chances on imports over the years, but with mixed results.
Bruno Fernandes has become a United hero, but the likes of Antony and Rasmus Hojlund have been expensive misfires so far.
United are now looking to land proven Premier League players in an effort to take Ruben Amorim’s side forward.
Matheus Cunha joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is wanted at Old Trafford.
Reports earlier this week suggested United want Ollie Watkins if Hojlund moves on, with the Aston Villa forward emerging as a key target.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesAston Villa stance on Manchester United target Ollie Watkins
Watkins is a proven Premier League goalscorer, as seen in the stats provided by Sofascore below.
The Aston Villa forward has seen his future come under scrutiny after losing his place to Marcus Rashford at times last season.
Villa missed out on a Champions League place and may need to sell players in order to balance the books.
Watkins turns 30 in December, and Villa may feel that this is the right time to cash in if a significant offer arrives.
The Mirror now claim that Aston Villa are seeking around £60million for Watkins, who still has three years left on his contract.
United don’t intend to pay that asking price, believing that it’s too expensive for a player with limited resale value.
United have lost a major bargaining chip here, as it’s noted that a swap involving Rashford had been floated.
Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park and could have been used in an exchange for Watkins.
However, Rashford has now departed Villa Park and seemingly has no plans to return to the club this summer.
That means United will have to cough up the cash for Watkins, which will be difficult without selling players first.
Infographic made by SofaScore showing Ollie Watkins’ stats between 2023-24 and present.Ineos may be set for another haggle over Ollie Watkins
Missing out on the potential of a Rashford exchange will sting for United, and Villa’s demands leave Ineos with another haggle on their hands.
United knew the price required for Cunha, with a £62.5million release clause in his contract.
United haggled over the payment of Cunha’s clause, though, first offering to pay the fee over the course of five years.
Wolves refused those terms, meaning Ineos had to agree to three instalments over a two-year period.
More haggling has taken place over Bryan Mbeumo, with United chasing the Brentford forward in another big-money attacking move.
United’s second bid for Mbeumo has been rejected, with offers of £55million and £62.5million snubbed so far.
Ineos are looking to strike big deals within United’s budget, but that means a lot of haggling this summer – and we could see more over Watkins.