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Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Thu 31 July 2025 17:21, UK

Unai Emery may just be about to hand Ollie Watkins’s signature to Man United on a silver platter ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The England international appeared extremely frustrated last term as the manager continued to pick Marcus Rashford, who has sealed a Barcelona move, in the final third, pushing him to the bench far too often.

With 60 goals and 34 assists over the last three seasons at Villa Park, his reaction is completely understandable, and Mick Brown told Football Insider that Watkins is now open to joining a new club.

Newcastle United are also keeping an eye on the striker, given their current situation with Alexander Isak, but if Ruben Amorim is serious about improving the atmosphere at Old Trafford, a new striker is vital.

Ollie Watkins’ stats in the 2024/25 season.

(Credit: Imago)

While Rasmus Hojlund has looked far better in pre-season so far, a combined goal contribution record with Joshua Zirkzee of 19 last season suggests the Red Devils are lacking a proper centre-forward figure.

Viktor Gyokeres appeared to be a potential target until Amorim’s former star joined Premier League rivals Arsenal recently, sending United back to the drawing board for the coming weeks.

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Watkins could now emerge as Man United’s top target, with Stefan Borson telling Football Insider that any deal could set Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s side back a whopping £100million.

After big-money deals for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, many may question where those funds would come from as the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Antony are yet to be sold.

Ruben Amorim has a difficult problem to solve.

(Credit: Imago)

Given the striker’s apparent unrest at Villa Park, Emery might be preparing for the worst, or even cutting his losses early enough in the summer window to seek a suitable replacement.

Taking to X (30 July), Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri wrote: “Aston Villa Football Club is an option for Lois Openda.

That said, Aston Villa must sell Ollie Watkins before making a move for an attacking player.

One to watch,” and the Villans will be keeping a close eye on the situation.

If PSR is to make a deal more complicated, Villa’s continuous contact with RB Leipzig would suggest a seriousness about signing the talented Belgian, and that would see their current striker depart.

With all the ongoing issues at the Theatre of Dreams, especially finishing 15th in the Premier League and missing out on the Europa League title, Watkins would deliver a breath of fresh air to the squad.

Reading between the lines, Amorim may have just been given the go-ahead to seal a deal for one of the most linked players to United, though Villa fans will be devastated to see him in different colours.

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