Personal terms Agreed: Manchester United finally agree personal terms with 22-year-old dangerous striker who has been ranked above Erling Haaland this season

Manchester United are showing interest in a surprise summer move for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, according to Fichajes.

The Red Devils have reportedly earmarked the England international as a ‘dark horse’ in their search for a new number nine this summer, and a potential move is believed to be ‘gaining traction’.

Fichajes claims Villa will need to receive a ‘convincing’ offer to consider selling Watkins, as he has three years remaining on his contract and remains a key part of Unai Emery’s plans.

Man United view the 29-year-old striker as a ‘reliable alternative’ and believe Watkins could become central to Ruben Amorim’s ongoing summer rebuild.

Man United Eyeing Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa are in a strong negotiating position

Watkins has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s best strikers during his five seasons at Villa Park and enjoyed another stellar individual campaign last term.

The ‘world-class’ 29-year-old helped Villa finish sixth in the table by scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists in 38 appearances, and added another seven goal contributions in European and cup competitions.

Watkins last signed a contract extension with Villa in October 2023 and has three years left on his deal, reportedly worth £130,000 per week.

Villa parted ways with Watkins’ deputy, Jhon Duran, in January and occasionally used loanee Marcus Rashford as a number nine last season, although the Englishman is not expected to return despite Villa’s £40m buy option.

Man United welcomed Matheus Cunha as their first summer arrival earlier this month and are now believed to be closing in on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils remain favourites to land the Cameroon international this summer, despite Mbeumo receiving interest from Tottenham recently.