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(Credit: Imago)
Callum O'Connell
Sat 2 August 2025 12:00, UK
Man United have walked away from a move to sign Ollie Watkins after learning of Aston Villa’s new asking price in the final month of the window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that United “baulked” at the £60million valuation placed on the 29-year-old who remains a key player for Unai Emery.
Newcastle are also believed to be interested in the England international, but are not willing to meet the price tag and will consider other options.
This comes after former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are considering signing Watkins as they search for Alexander Isak replacements.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 July that Aston Villa have told rivals Watkins could leave for the right price, but have been surprised by the lack of interest.
Villa expected clubs would submit big offers for the England star this summer after turning down a £60million bid from Arsenal late in the January transfer window.
Man United have been interested in signing Ollie Watkins.
(Credit: Imago)
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This article contains exclusive comment from Paul Robinson, a football pundit and former England, Tottenham and Leeds goalkeeper.
Football Insider revealed earlier this summer that Aston Villa are willing to sell Watkins and hoped to do so before the 30 June financial deadline to raise funds.
With that deadline having passed, the striker remains a key part of Emery’s plans, and they are planning to stick to their lofty price tag late in the window.
Robinson explained that Villa will not let the striker go easily but interested clubs are unlikely to make a move while the price tag remains as it is.
“No [Villa won’t let him go], not easily anyway,” he told Football Insider.
“Arsenal tried in January to get him out of there, but then it would have to be a whole rebuild for them in the final third of the pitch for Aston Villa.
“I think the problem Man United have got is the £60million valuation Villa have put on him.
“Man United baulked at that price tag straight away.
“He’s 29 now and he’ll be 30 by the end of the season, and there aren’t many clubs that will pay north of £60million for a player of that age.
“He’s got three years left on his contract at Aston Villa and he’s a key part of what they do.
“Man United and Newcastle, yes they can afford the fee and he could lead the line at either of those two clubs, I think he’s a top quality player who could do a job for both of them.
“But I think the asking price and valuation has put both of them off.”
Ruben Amorim is planning to sign a new striker.
(Credit: Imago)
Watkins is not the only striker Ruben Amorim’s side are considering late in the window amid links with a move to sign Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 28 July that Man United are unlikely to sign Jackson and do not plan to take their initial interest in the forward any further.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 22 July that Man United are interested in Jackson, but will only make a move if the price is right for them.
Chelsea are believed to be demanding over £80million to sell the Senegal international this summer, which would price Amorim’s side out of a move.
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