Manchester United Monitoring Ollie Watkins as Potential Transfer Target

Manchester United is assessing the possibility of signing Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, should Rasmus Hojlund leave the club this summer. Hojlund, 22, has faced challenges since transferring from Atlanta for £72million and scored only four Premier League goals last season. Despite recent claims that he intends to stay at United, there remains speculation about his future, with Inter Milan reportedly interested.

If Hojlund departs, United is exploring other striker options, including Watkins, the 29-year-old Villa star. Officials at Old Trafford have initiated contact with intermediaries to discuss the potential acquisition of Watkins, who has a strong scoring record with 75 goals in 184 Premier League appearances since 2020 and is under contract until 2028.

Watkins, who has five international goals for England, impressed again in the 2024-25 season with 16 goals and eight assists. United considers him a reliable goal scorer capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League. There have been previous discussions about a transfer, including a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, but that arrangement was halted due to Rashford’s preference to join Barcelona.

The club’s interest comes amidst a broader strategy to fund transfers by selling other first-team players. Should Watkins join, it would mark a shift toward targeting more experienced, peak-ready players rather than younger talents, aligning with manager Ruben Amorim’s preference.

Watkins has a notable track record at Villa and previously attracted interest from Arsenal, who did not meet Villa’s £60m valuation in January. Villa, meanwhile, is facing a major player departure which could help them comply with Premier League financial rules, especially as they navigate potential sales of other squad players.

Earlier this month, Watkins reaffirmed his commitment to Villa, stating he expects to remain at the club despite transfer rumors. Meanwhile, United continues to explore options, but some targets like Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike are considered out of reach due to wage or cost constraints.