TERMS AGREED: Manchester United bows to Ruben Amorim’s pressure, agree €100m transfer fee to sign a striker as the superstar lands in Manchester to sign six-years contract
Manchester United are increasingly considering a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
It is set to be a busy summer at Old Trafford as the club look to rebuild under Ruben Amorim after a disastrous season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League.
Matheus Cunha has already arrived from Wolves after United activated his £62.5million release clause and more reinforcements are being targeted in attack.
Bryan Mbeumo remains a key target, but Brentford want a significant chunk of any fee paid up front and that could prove problematic for United unless players are moved on first.
United were keen on Liam Delap before the striker chose to join Chelsea and Viktor Gyokeres was also on the club’s shortlist, but a move to Arsenal now appears more realistic for the 27-year-old.
That has led United to consider other options and Fichajes report that Watkins has emerged as an appealing candidate for the club.
Aston Villa need to raise funds this summer to ease their financial situation and are believed to have put a £60m valuation on Watkins.
Arsenal made a move for the 29-year-old in January and could reignite that interest, but their attention is currently elsewhere and that could give United the advantage if they do decide to pursue the England forward.
United have moved to more of a Premier League focus with their transfer business, in the hope new arrivals can quickly hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
Watkins would fall into that category, having scored 75 Premier League goals across five seasons at Villa.
Moise Kean has also been linked with a surprise move to Old Trafford this summer, with the Italian having a release clause that is valid from the start of July.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, United have registered their interest in the Fiorentina striker, who signed for Everton in 2019 but failed to make an impact in England.
After three quiet years at Juventus, the Italian has rebuilt his career at Fiorentina and scored 25 goals in all competitions last year.
It is believed that Kean has a £44.5m release clause from July 1 until July 15, and United are said to be considering making a move for the 25-year-old in that period.
