Manchester United transfer news: 'Fresh contact made' over Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins

Manchester United have allegedly not given up hope of signing Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.

The Red Devils can claim to have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window having acquired the services of both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Furthermore, Barcelona completed the loan signing of Marcus Rashford on Wednesday to free up further funds for Ruben Amorim.

While the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are still at Old Trafford, there is an argument that United's priorities should lie elsewhere.

Nevertheless, as per The Telegraph, United are still interested in negotiating a deal for Watkins over the coming weeks.

What is Villa's stance on Watkins?

The report claims that United have made contact with their Villa counterparts to determine whether a transfer is a realistic possibility.

Villa are said to have responded by insisting that they will not consider any offers for the England international this summer.

Watkins has a contract in place until 2028 and Villa are under less pressure when it comes to complying with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations until next June.

As it stands, it is unclear what level of offer that United would be prepared to present given that they have already shelled out in excess of £130m for Cunha and Mbeumo.

Parting ways with the likes of Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and at least one of Zirkzee or Hojlund would likely be needed before any approach is made.

Can Villa afford to keep Watkins?

While Watkins is undoubtedly Villa's key player with 87 goals and 42 assists from 223 appearances in a Villa shirt, he is now 29 years of age.

If it becomes apparent that he would like to take on a new challenge rather than ever extend his contract past 2028, Villa face the difficult task of trying to maximise his value when it comes to a sale.

They could perhaps afford to keep Watkins for one more season and the striker retain his value, but they would struggle to generate in the region of £50m once Watkins closes on his 31st birthday at the end of 2026.

Watkins is currently Villa's only out-and-out striker, ensuring that Unai Emery will be desperate to keep him in his plans for the new season.

Written by
Darren Plant