Manchester United are on the hunt for a new striker this summer, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins emerging as a potential target. The Red Devils are in need of a central striker, with loanee Wout Weghorst’s spell coming to an end and Anthony Martial not likely to be trusted in the role. While Harry Kane is the player they really want, a deal with Tottenham is not looking likely at this stage. United have turned their attention to Watkins, who has been good for Aston Villa since signing from Brentford in 2020, scoring 40 goals in 109 Premier League games.
Watkins’ Stats
Watkins has reached double figures in all three seasons he has played in the top flight. While these may be good without being spectacular numbers, Watkins was playing in a Villa team which struggled at times under the management of Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard. He found tremendous form in the second half of last season under Unai Emery, finishing the campaign with 15 league goals.
United’s Search for a Striker
The Athletic reports that United have watched Watkins, although he is in talks to extend his contract with Villa, which still has two years left to run. United cannot afford to go into the new campaign without a new striker, but who they eventually plump for is not clear. Atalanta and Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen, and Benfica’s impressive Goncalo Ramos have all been touted as targets, but all will cost a huge amount.
Kane’s Future
Despite Kane only having one year left on his contract with Spurs, the north London club is not looking to sell him. It would take an enormous bid for the 29-year-old to make a deal happen. Erik ten Hag’s side has been linked with a number of centre-forwards, with Kane the player they really want. However, a deal with Tottenham is not looking especially likely at this stage.
Conclusion
Manchester United is in need of a new central striker, and Ollie Watkins has emerged as a potential target. While Harry Kane is the player they really want, a deal with Tottenham is not looking likely at this stage. United have turned their attention to Watkins, who has been good for Aston Villa since signing from Brentford in 2020, scoring 40 goals in 109 Premier League games. Watkins has reached double figures in all three seasons he has played in the top flight. While these may be good without being spectacular numbers, Watkins was playing in a Villa team which struggled at times under the management of Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard. He found tremendous form in the second half of last season under Unai Emery, finishing the campaign with 15 league goals.