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Signing a prolific striker was always going to be high on Manchester United’s agenda this summer.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failed to provide the consistent goals this United side so desperately craved.
Without a reliable source of goals, head coach Ruben Amorim’s project never quite got off the ground.
Determined to change that, INEOS are now carefully weighing up their options in the market to hand Amorim a dependable number nine.
Watkins links
While names like Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen have all been linked, a more familiar Premier League face could end up leading the line at Old Trafford.
As per reports relayed by The Peoples Person, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has emerged as a serious striking target.
Amorim is reportedly keen on the 29-year-old, who he views as an impact signing thanks to his Premier League experience and proven goal-scoring record.
Though last season wasn’t his most explosive, Watkins still managed 17 goals and 14 assists, which was impressive.
Talks underway, but the price remains a sticking point
United and Villa are said to have held exploratory talks, but progress has been slow.
As per The Mirror, the striker’s £60 million valuation is already proving problematic.
“Villa would want around £60million for Watkins, who has three years left on his contract, but United are unwilling to pay that much, given his age and lack of resale value.”
Unless Villa soften their stance, this deal could stall before it ever truly gets going.
Watkins was never going to be a marquee signing
Among United fans, Watkins will be seen as a stop-gap signing.
He is a player who could deliver immediately, but his long-term value to the club is questionable.
In two or three years, INEOS may need to find his successor.
If Villa continue to dig in over their valuation, it’s easy to see why United might pivot to a younger, hungrier striker Amorim can groom into a goal-scoring monster.
Interestingly, it has been claimed that United proposed a Marcus Rashford–Watkins swap deal towards the end of last season, but Villa were not interested in the offer.
Having already blocked a move to Arsenal last winter, Villa may once again stand firm.
If they do, that will be Watkins missing another prolific Premier League switch this year.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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