Man United ‘Make Contact’ to Sign £60m Premier League Striker – Report | OneFootball

Man Utd Make Early Move for Watkins as Gyokeres Pursuit Continues

Manchester United’s intent to overhaul their attacking line has taken a decisive step forward, with the club establishing initial contact over a potential move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. As revealed by The Athletic, intermediaries acting on behalf of United have approached Villa to “check” on the striker’s availability, as manager Ruben Amorim seeks a more clinical presence up front.

Watkins Emerges as Viable Option

Ollie Watkins is now being seriously considered by United. “Watkins has been ‘shortlisted’ as a target,” reported The Athletic, with Amorim pushing for a seasoned striker to replace Rasmus Hojlund.

Although Hojlund arrived for £72 million in 2023 and showed early promise, scoring ten goals overall, only four of those came in the Premier League last season. It’s understood that Amorim has been left “seriously underwhelmed” and has instructed recruitment leads Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell to deliver a proven goalscorer.

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Price Tag and Strategic Calculations

Aston Villa’s valuation of Watkins currently stands at £60 million, the same figure they held firm on when Arsenal approached in January. While United are reportedly weighing up whether to meet that asking price, the club must also consider the lack of long-term resale value given Watkins’ age and contract status.

The 28-year-old is contracted until 2028, meaning Villa are in a strong negotiating position. That said, there is optimism that Watkins would be “enticed by the prospect of playing for arguably England’s biggest club,” especially given the opportunity to lead the line under Amorim in a transformative new era at Old Trafford.

Gyokeres Still in Play

While Watkins is now on United’s radar, he is not their only priority. Amorim still views Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish forward who thrived under his management at Sporting CP, as the ideal fit. However, competition from Arsenal could complicate that pursuit. If the Gunners instead succeed in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, United would be in pole position for Gyokeres.

The Athletic reports that Gyokeres’ exit is “a matter of time,” adding to the urgency behind United’s manoeuvres. Still, with Liam Delap already choosing Chelsea and the market becoming increasingly competitive, having a viable backup like Watkins is now seen as essential.

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Rashford Loan Opens Communication Channels

There is already an “open line of communication” between the two clubs, following Marcus Rashford’s recent loan to Villa. That relationship could prove crucial should United move to accelerate talks for Watkins, especially with Amorim looking to avoid a prolonged striker search this summer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you’re a Manchester United fan, this news will spark genuine excitement. With Ruben Amorim wasting no time in reshaping the side in his image, targeting Ollie Watkins signals a shift towards immediate results. After a season where goals were scarce and Hojlund struggled to consistently deliver, Watkins looks like the sort of striker who could thrive under pressure at Old Trafford.

He’s in his prime, ruthless in front of goal, and comes with proven Premier League pedigree. Nineteen league goals last season in a side that wasn’t exactly dominant? That’s no small feat. Fans will be thrilled at the idea of Watkins playing ahead of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, linking up in a fluid front line.

And let’s not forget, the club still has one eye on Gyokeres. Whether it’s Watkins, Gyokeres, or both, this is a summer of intent. United aren’t just chasing names anymore, they’re chasing profiles that fit, players who know how to deliver. After years of misfires in the transfer market, this could be the first real sign that United are moving with purpose.