Manchester United are allegedly giving serious consideration to an audacious swap deal with Aston Villa involving Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins during the summer transfer window.
The duo are currently jostling for starts under Unai Emery in the West Midlands, but it was Watkins who was given the nod against Newcastle United in Saturday's Premier League game.
Having been overlooked against Paris Saint-Germain in both legs of Villa's Champions League quarter-final, Watkins sent Unai Emery a huge selection message with the opening goal just 33 seconds into that 4-1 win.
The England international's strike also saw him move level with Gabriel Agbonlahor for the most Premier League goals for Aston Villa, but he may continue to face incredibly stiff competition from Rashford next season.
The Red Devils loanee has revived his career in the West Midlands with three goals and six assists in 16 appearances for the Lions, who have the option to sign him permanently for £40m at the end of the season.
Man United ready to offer 'significant cash payment' for Watkins
© Imago
However, the Daily Star suggests that Man United could try to structure a deal differently and offer Villa the chance to keep Rashford permanently in exchange for Watkins and a 'significant' cash sum.
Ruben Amorim's side will be aiming to upgrade on their number nine options ahead of the 2025-26 season, having seen both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund flounder in front of goal this term.
Targets such as Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are likely to prove too expensive, though, so a part-exchange deal for Watkins involving Rashford should be feasible, especially as they will get the latter's wages off the books too.
If Villa and Rashford do decide to continue working together next season, Watkins could reportedly try to push for an exit, and he may be guaranteed more starts at Old Trafford than Villa Park next term.
The former Brentford man was said to have been the subject of a £40m offer from Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but Villa turned it down given that they offloaded Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr over the winter.
Rashford-Watkins swap could scupper Liverpool transfer plan
© Imago
Arsenal have been tipped to try again for Watkins this summer, but as the England international will soon be turning 30, the Gunners are expected to prioritise younger targets for the upcoming window.
Instead, it was reported earlier on Saturday that Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Watkins's situation, and Rashford joining Villa permanently could see the Reds swoop for the former.
However, it would not be a surprise to see Villa give Man United first refusal in Watkins talks thanks to the Rashford factor, and the 20-time English champions should not have to fork out a ridiculous additional amount for that swap to come to fruition.
Watkins's will must also be taken into account, though, as the Liverpool project is far more appealing than the Manchester United one at first glance; the Reds are about to win the Premier League title while the Red Devils languish in the bottom half of the table.
Nevertheless, Amorim's side could still secure Champions League football by winning the Europa League, the importance of which cannot be overstated when it comes to securing their prime transfer targets.
Ben Knapton
