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Manchester United held talks with Aston Villa over a shock swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins, it has been reported by The Athletic.
Rashford joined Villa on loan in the January transfer window and enjoyed an upturn in form at United’s Premier League rivals. There was a £40m option to buy in the loan agreement but it has been claimed that talks over a possible swap move were held.
Watkins signed a new Villa deal in October 2023, keeping him at the club until 2028. However, the striker publicly expressed his frustration over a lack of minutes in the Champions League quarter-finals as Villa lost to Paris Saint-Germain over two legs.
He was the subject of a bid from Arsenal in the January window but that was rejected by Villa.
Why Man Utd and Aston Villa swap didn’t pan out – as fresh contact made
Per the report from The Athletic, direct discussions took place between United and Villa over a potential player swap. However, the possibility of that happening was ended because Rashford wanted to join Barcelona.
It has also been reported that fresh contact has been made “to explore the prospect of a deal” for United to sign Watkins outright with a number of striker targets on the list at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim is eager to overhaul his attack but the Red Devils will need to sell Rasmus Hojlund to have room for a new centre-forward.
United’s transfer budget means that once a move for Bryan Mbeumo is agreed, they will be able to focus on other targets but must sell a number of players to help raise funds for further business.
Villa could be open for a move to help solve their issues over Premier League profitability and sustainability rules as they need to sell players before they can buy to stay on the right side of the financial regulations.
Watkins is said to be seen as a “reliable” source of goals having scored 75 times for Aston Villa in the Premier League. He is the club’s record scorer in the Premier League.
Unai Emery loves Ollie Watkins
Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 and has been a key part of the club’s rise to Champions League contenders under Emery. He has scored 87 goals across all competitions and provided 42 assists in 223 appearances.
Speaking about the player, Villa boss Unai Emery was previously full of praise for Watkin’s qualities. He said: “He’s amazing. Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing.
“When he is scoring goals, it’s the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he’s contributing to help the team. But even when he’s not doing both, he’s working for the team.
“Defensively, the commitment was always high. He is in the press to the opponent. His commitment and behaviour is always a very good example for others. His power is his mind. His mentality is the best quality he has.”
