Manchester United's relentless pursuit of a new attacking focal point looks to be zeroing in on a familiar Premier League talent with reports from the Manchester Evening News confirming talks with Aston Villa over Ollie Watkins.
While no official bid has materialized at this stage, the initial discussions signify United's growing interest in acquiring a proven goal scorer as part of Ruben Amorim's new era.
The need for a prolific No.9 has been a consistent theme in the transfer speculation surrounding United this summer.
As Rasmus Hojlund continues to adapt to the rigours of English football, United's attack neds a more consistent cutting edge, and Amorim wants a player who can hit the ground running.
Following a flurry of links to various European strikers, it appears the Red Devils are now looking within the Premier League for a solution, to reduce a tricky settling in period as seen with Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
A striker with proven English top-flight pedigree is the requirement and that will bolster Amorim's push for a new face in his front line.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on whether United can transform these initial overtures into a concrete agreement, in Amorim's quest to solve a key problem in his ranks.
What Ollie Watkins Would Bring to Manchester United
Should United achieve their rumoured aim of bringing Watkins to Old Trafford, the 29-year-old should bring with him a guarantee of Premier League goals.
This is not a speculative signing; Watkins consistently reached double figures in the top flight in recent seasons, demonstrating a clinical touch and the ability to score different types of goals.
This regular output is precisely what United have craved, often relying on individual moments of brilliance rather than a reliable, central goal threat.
In his five seasons Premier League seasons at Villa Park, the England international has scored 10+ in each campaign, with 19 in 2023/24 and 16 in 2024/25.
Beyond his impressive goal tallies, Watkins' intelligent movement off the ball is a tremendous asset.
He excels at finding pockets of space, making incisive runs behind defensive lines and pulling defenders out of position.
However, the main stumbling block will be Unai Emery's desire to keep him at Villa Park to lead their charge in 2025/26, with a transfer value of around £45m.
Manchester United news and related links
- Brentford stance revealed as Newcastle claim made after Mbeumo to Man Utd transfer
- Which clubs are interested in signing Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho?
- What Bryan Mbeumo revealed about his Man Utd transfer