Man Utd 'in Ollie Watkins talks' after swap transfer explored with Aston Villa

Manchester United have held initial talks with Aston Villa after adding Ollie Watkins to their striker shortlist this summer, according to reports. The Red Devils are interested in a swoop for Watkins, should Rasmus Hojlund depart or further player sales fund the final instalment of Ruben Amorim's attacking overhaul.

Amorim has already welcomed Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5million deal and is pushing for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. United have failed with two bids, the latest worth the same fee as Cunha's, but there is optimism they will strike a deal. The Old Trafford giants could continue their Premier League-focused recruitment drive by launching a pursuit of Watkins.

According to The Athletic, United figures have initiated contact with their Villa counterparts to explore a potential transfer.

It's claimed that the discussions have not yet gone further than an exploratory phone call, but the interest is not sudden.

The report adds that United and Villa discussed the possibility of including Watkins in a summer deal for Marcus Rashford at the end of last season.

However, Rashford is said to be holding out for a move to Barcelona, and Villa confirmed that they had not triggered his £40m buy option on Monday.

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United are thought to have prioritised completing the signing of Mbeumo and overseeing the player sales that are crucial for any further business.

While Amorim wants to sign a striker to complete a new-look front three, there is no guarantee one will arrive if the Red Devils cannot generate sufficient funds.

Watkins, 29, is in his peak years, so a deal would likely be difficult if Villa demand around £60m as they did in January when Arsenal showed interest.

But he would add more Premier League-proven quality to Amorim's squad, reaching double figures with his goal tally in each of the last five seasons.

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Watkins plundered 24 goal contributions in the Premier League last season, only bettered by Alexander Isak (29) and Erling Haaland (25) among strikers.

In comparison, Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed just five each as United recorded a meagre total of 44 goals in 38 league games.

Only Everton and the three relegated clubs were more toothless than Amorim's side, which explains his heavy focus on attacking signings.