Ollie Watkins is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with Manchester United looking at alternative striker options after Newcastle improved their bid for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.
The 29-year-old has been subject to interest from Newcastle and the Red Devils recently, after Arsenal had a £60million bid rejected in January.
The speculation is said to have led the English international, who scored 16 Premier League goals last term, to feel the time is right to leave Unai Emery’s side.
United’s interest comes following news that Newcastle are looking to accelerate a deal for Leipzig striker Sesko, after receiving the green light from the player for the move.
Newcastle United have increased their initial bid for Benjamin Sesko
| GETTYRuben Amorim’s side are actively discussing with the player, who has also approved a move to the Red Devils, but the club are yet to table a formal bid.
Newcastle saw their first bid of £70million rejected last week, but have made an improved and restructured offer that is expected to be more in line with Leipzig’s expectations.
There are concerns that the Red Devils do not have the room in the PSR bank to match Newcastle’s bid, according to The Sun.
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Ollie Watkins is said to be keen on a move to Manchester United
|PA
With a move for the 22-year-old looking more unlikely, the Red Devils’ pursuit of Watkins has been initiated.
The player is said to be keen on the move and Villa need additional income to avoid breaking PSR rules, meaning a deal could be struck between all parties.
United value Watkins at £45m, which is significantly less than the £70m Leipzig are demanding for Sesko.
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Villa were expecting to sell some players this summer to help fund their window. However, bids for players such as Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Emi Martinez have failed to arrive.
United were said to be interested in Martinez, although they only offered a loan deal that was deemed unacceptable.
Watkins is not the only striker on United’s radar should they be unable to attract Sesko, though.
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The 29-year-old scored 16 Premier League goals last season
|PA
Samu Aghehowa, who scored 27 goals for Porto last year, has been touted for a move.
The 21-year-old saw a transfer to Chelsea fall through last summer, instead moving to Amorim’s home country Portugal from Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Vangelis Pavlidis, Randal Kolo Muani and Dusan Vlahovic have also been touted as potential options for Amorim.
The Portuguese boss is still waiting to offload four players in order to raise funds to continue their summer spending.
Alejandro Garnacho has been of interest to Chelsea, although the club’s extensive negotiations with Leipzig’s Xavi Simons have stalled any advances with the winger.
Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho are yet to find any potential suitors.
Amorim needs to shift some figures before he can add to his squad, where he is believed to be looking for a striker and a holding midfielder.