Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins as a potential target in the case that Rasmus Hojlund leaves the club this summer.
Hojlund, 22, has struggled since moving to Old Trafford from Atlanta in 2023 for £72million and he scored just four Premier League goals last season.
The Danish forward has subsequently been linked with a move away, with Inter Milan touted as one possible option.
However, earlier this month, Hojlund outlined his transfer stance and revealed he expects to stay at United for next season, yet it hasn’t stopped the speculation.
And, according to The Athletic, if Hojlund does move on, United are weighing up several striker options.
The report goes on to add that Villa star Watkins, 29, is on a list of targets and United executives have made contact via intermediaries over a potential transfer.
Man United are reportedly keeping tabs on Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins as a potential target
United have several striking options in case Rasmus Hojlund leaves the club this summer
While Watkins is 29, United boss Ruben Amorim is keen to sign players who are in their peak
Watkins, who has five goals in 18 caps for England and is under contract until 2028, has netted 75 times in 184 Premier League games for Unai Emery’s side and he impressed again in 2024-25, scoring 16 goals and adding eight assists.
The report claims that those at Old Trafford believe Watkins would be the transfer target that is most likely to provide a source of goals in the Premier League, but a check call on his availability and what a deal would take is the extent of their dealings on the 29-year-old so far.
Meanwhile, United outcast Marcus Rashford was on loan at Villa Park during the second half of last season and there was a £40m option to buy within the loan agreement.
Despite the clause, the clubs still held talks over a deal and Watkins being part of any potential transfer was discussed, but Rashford’s desire to join Barcelona instead meant no move materialised.
Ruben Amorim’s side have already added Matheus Cunha for £62.5m this summer and they are closing in on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo after having a second bid of the same value rejected.
United are hoping to raise further funds by selling other first team stars which explains why the club are assessing the striker market in the background, although it is not guaranteed that one arrives.
If a move for Watkins did materialise, it would be a slight change of tact of the strategy to target younger stars under Sir Jim Ratcliffe given the Villa forward turns 30 later this year, but Amorim is keen for peak-ready players to boost his squad.
Arsenal had held talks over a move for Watkins in January but the Gunners weren’t prepared to meet the £60m valuation slapped on the forward by Villa.
Watkins, 29, has netted 75 times in 184 Premier League games for Villa since joining in 2020
A swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Watkins was previously discussed this summer
Hojlund badly struggled in 2024-25 and he has been linked with a move away from United
That price tag is likely to be similar now and it could prove to be a potential stumbling block for United, especially given the forward’s lack of resale value.
United had shortlisted Watkins back in 2023 when they signed Hojlund, but Erik ten Hag and recruitment staff at the club ultimately went with the Dane, who was just 20 at the time.
For Villa, a major exit of a first team star would be a huge boost in their attempts to comply with the Premier League’s PSR rules, although a pending sale of their women’s team has helped their position on that.
Elsewhere, Amorim would be keen to link up again with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, but the Swedish forward is said to prefer a move to Arsenal.
Victor Osimhen’s wage demands are also viewed by those at United as excessive right now and Frankfurt’s €100m (£85.8m) valuation of French striker Hugo Ekitike is out of the Red Devils’ budget.
Meanwhile, speaking earlier this month on international duty, Hojlund, who alongside Joshua Zirkzee struggled up front for United last season, opened up on his desire to stay at the club amid the speculation surrounding his future.
‘I have a contract [until 2028], so I expect to play for Manchester United,’ he said. ‘I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.
‘I know I can’t get much out of reading things. I know what the facts are, and that is that I have a contract with Manchester United.
‘I expect to play there, so I’m just getting ready for some summer vacation and then hopefully a good pre-season.’
