Aston Villa keen on Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee | OneFootball

Aston Villa are reportedly looking to bring Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee to the Midlands club as Unai Emery prepares for life without Ollie Watkins.

The Villa forward is edging closer to a move to Saudi Pro League club Al‑Hilal and the Villans want a quality replacement.

Zirkzee has emerged as a target but the Man United striker is also on the radars of Juventus and Napoli.

The Netherlands international is expected to leave the Red Devils this summer and a return to Serie A could appeal to him.

Zirkzee has struggled to impress in the Premier League over the last two seasons, with five goals to his name in 56 league appearances for Man United.

The 25-year-old has nine goals in 75 games for the Red Devils, but he notched 12 goals in 37 matches in his last season in the Italian top-flight with Bologna in 2023-24.

It appears Emery believes he can get the Dutchman firing on all cylinders at Villa.

The Midlands club started 2026-27 with a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

They are back in action next Monday when they host Premier League defending champions Arsenal at Villa Park.

A win will be a huge way to bounce back, but they need a top number 9 leading their attack to have a chance of impressing this season.

Emiliano Buendia led the line yesterday, with Alejandro Garnacho replacing him towards the end of the game.

17-year-old Brian Madjo is an option for the Villans, but the teenage sensation is currently injured and is not due to return until next month.

Tammy Abraham is also currently out of action and was not named on the bench on Sunday.