Ollie Watkins joined Aston Villa from Brentford five years ago and has been a consistent scorer in the Premier League.
Watkins has been on United’s radar
Manchester United have not directly contacted Aston Villa about the possible availability of striker Ollie Watkins.
Villa remain insistent that Watkins is not for sale amid United’s search for a new striker.
Watkins, 29, is under contract at Villa until 2027 but United are seeking a goalscorer with Premier League experience to sharpen their attack.
England international Watkins has scored 75 goals in 184 Premier League games since he joined Villa from Brentford in September 2020.
United have bolstered their frontline with the £133.5m investments in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo but want a new goalscorer to replace Rasmus Hojlund.
Liam Delap was United’s prime choice but the England Under 21 international chose to join Chelsea in a £30million move.
United are not expected to explore a possible deal for Alexander Isak, who is open to leaving Newcastle United, while Viktor Gyokeres is set to sign for Arsenal.
Liverpool bought Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, having recruited playmaker Florian Wirtz in a £116m deal.
RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko was of interest to United two years ago when he was at Red Bull Salzburg but the Slovenia international is under contract until 2029 and would likely favour a move to a club competing in the Champions League.
Thirty-four players scored more Premier League goals than Bruno Fernandes, United’s highest scorer in the league last term with eight goals.
Crystal Palace figurehead Jean-Philippe Mateta is an alternative option for United.
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