Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been linked with Man United this summer and Reds legend Roy Keane has previously offered his approval
Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move to Manchester United as the Reds search for a new striker this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has previously heaped praise on Reds-linked striker Ollie Watkins.
The England international reportedly grew dissatisfied at Aston Villa last season, having fallen behind United loanee Marcus Rashford in the pecking order. After narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day of last season with a 2-0 loss to United, Watkins is said to be open to exploring new opportunities.
United have reportedly initiated preliminary discussions with Villa about signing Watkins, as head coach Ruben Amorim views him as an ideal player to spearhead his attack, given his proven goal-scoring ability. The Villans are reportedly demanding around £60million but United are said to be reluctant to meet this valuation due to his age and limited resale value.
The Reds reportedly proposed including Rashford in a swap deal for Watkins, but Villa declined the opportunity to sign the 27-year-old for £40m once his loan spell ended. Rashford is now closing in on a loan move to Barcelona instead.
According to The Mirror, a potential obstacle in United’s pursuit of the England international is their inability to offer European football following their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May.
But if they can convince Watkins that a switch to United is the right move, former Reds midfielder Keane has already given his approval for the transfer.
Roy Keane has heaped praise on reported United target Ollie Watkins(Image: PA)
“He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he?” Keane told Sky Sports in 2024.
“Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City. That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it.”
Speaking about his form in 2023/24, Keane added: “The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him. His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season.”
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