Manchester United have reportedly added Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins to their list of potential strikers.
The Red Devils recently cooled their interest in Tottenham’s Harry Kane, with reports suggesting the club saw his price tag as ‘unrealistic’.
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Man United’s attention is expected to turn to strikers such as Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
talkSPORT understands that the Red Devils are ready to ramp up their interest in Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, too.
But now, another name has joined their list – Villa’s Watkins.
According to The Athletic, Erik ten Hag is after a ‘no risk’ signing and Watkins is among the forwards that fits that bill following his consistent form in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old netted 16 goals in all competitions this past campaign, as Unai Emery transformed Villa and lead them to a seventh-place finish.
The report also states Watkins ‘has been watched by Man United’ during his impressive season, However despite him only having two years left on his contract, it’s also been claimed he’s already in talks with the Villans over a new one.
To make their potential pursuit of Watkins more complicated, the England international previously made it clear that there’s one Premier League side he’d absolutely love to play for, and it isn’t Man United.
Whilst playing for Brentford in the Championship, Watkins told the Sports Gazette: “That’s the dream to play for Arsenal one day.
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“But it’s a long shot. It’s only because my family support them and stuff like that. But that’s a long-term [goal].”
Not only that, but one Gunners legend was Watkins’ hero too, despite Man United dominating domestic trophies when he was growing up.
“I’m an Arsenal fan, so Thierry Henry was my [favourite player]. He’s unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really.”
