Man United ‘make fresh contact’ over Ollie Watkins move – as Aston Villa name price for 29-year-old striker

Manchester United have reportedly made fresh contact with Aston Villa over a potential swoop for Ollie Watkins. 

Aston Villa will be seeking around £60million for the England striker, whose contract expires in 2028.

United have not yet made a bid for the boyhood Arsenal fan and their actions will likely depend on being able to offload other stars, according to talkSPORT. 

Ruben Amorim has already spent big on his strikeforce this summer, splashing £62.5million on Matheus Cunha before Bryan Mbeumo arrived for £65m plus £6m in add-ons. 

The Red Devils struggled for goals last season, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to find the net frequently.

Watkins has scored 87 goals across his five campaign with Villa, including 75 in the Premier League – an average of 15 per season. 

There will be no competition from Marcus Rashford as he is leaving on loan to Barcelona, who will have a £40m option to sign him.

United are hoping to raise further funds by selling other first team stars which explains why the club are assessing the striker market in the background, although it is not guaranteed that one arrives. 

United shortlisted Watkins back in 2023 when they signed Hojlund, but Erik ten Hag and recruitment staff ultimately went with the Dane, who was just 20 at the time. 

If a move for Watkins did materialise, it would be a slight change of tact of the strategy to target younger stars under Sir Jim Ratcliffe given the Villa forward turns 30 later this year, but Amorim is keen for peak-ready players to boost his squad.

Arsenal had held talks over a move for Watkins in January but the Gunners weren’t prepared to meet the £60m valuation slapped on the forward by Villa. 

More to follow.