There are a few dominoes that need to fall into place before he finds himself presented at Old Trafford, but Ollie Watkins is still very much on Manchester United’s radar.
The Red Devils already snatched Youri Tielemans from Villa Park earlier this summer and are now expected to return for their star striker on one condition.
In a summer full of bargain deals, the England international would be INEOS’ most impressive signing yet – handing Michael Carrick a proven Premier League goalscorer.
Premier League stats 25/26
Ollie Watkins
Benjamin Sesko
Bryan Mbeumo
Minutes
2,852
1,635
2,621
Goals
16
11
11
Assists
3
1
3
Shots P90
2.62
3.36
2.51
XG
15.2
9.65
12.2
Whilst there’s no denying that Benjamin Sesko is very much the future of Man United’s frontline, Watkins would be coming in as a reliable, consistent and experienced goalscorer.
If the Red Devils are to maintain their top four place and potentially even challenge for the Premier League title, then strength in depth alongside consistent performers will prove to be the key. Watkins would provide exactly that.
Whether the dominoes all fall at the same time for United to make their move for the England international remains to be seen, however.
Man Utd readying Ollie Watkins move on one condition
According to The Sun, Man United are set to make a formal move for Watkins if Joshua Zirkzee completes a departure this summer. The forward has been linked with both AS Roma and Juventus following a tough campaign at Old Trafford, but is yet to edge any closer to an exit.
Negotiations for Watkins will also become a lot easier if Aston Villa seal their move for Nicolas Jackson. The Chelsea forward would act as a natural replacement, perhaps allowing United to swoop in.
In terms of price, there’s a potential bargain deal on the table. Whilst Fenerbahçe have already seen a £30m offer rejected for the 30-year-old, reports are claiming that Villa could consider offers in the region of £40m.
For a striker who’s scored 190 career goals and been dubbed “amazing” by Villa boss Unai Emery, that’s an undeniable bargain.
Man Utd submit Eduardo Camavinga offer
Even with Watkins on their radar, Man United aren’t done. They’ve also submitted an offer to sign Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid, according to recent reports, as they look to complete their midfield rebuild.
With Tielemans and Andrey Santos already through the door, the Frenchman would be an excellent addition. It’s not a deal that will come at a hefty price, either.
Reports are claiming that Real Madrid have set a price-tag worth just €60m (£51m) this summer, which would follow the trend of bargain midfielders for those at Old Trafford.
