Ollie Watkins faces awkward Man Utd question if £45m transfer goes ahead

Ollie Watkins might have some awkward questions to handle if he completes a move to Manchester United this summer. He is said to have emerged as a top target for the Red Devils, who are desperate to sign a new striker ahead of the new campaign. They launched a move for Liam Delap earlier in the window but he ended up joining Chelsea.

United were also linked with Viktor Gyokeres, who worked under Ruben Amorim during his time at Sporting. However, the Portuguese marksman is now an Arsenal player and will line up against his former manager in their Premier League opener. United are now said to have moved on by identifying Watkins as their preferred choice.

It has been reported that Aston Villa are seeking around £60million to part ways with the England international this summer. However, those in power at Old Trafford are said to be optimistic that a deal can be agreed for between £40m and £45m.

It remains to be seen if Watkins would be keen on joining United, with the player having already underlined his 'dream' of playing for their rivals Arsenal.

Back in 2020, he told Sports Gazette: "That's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it's a long shot. I'm an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol], he's unbelievable to watch."

Arsenal had been tentatively linked with Watkins in the past, but they appear to have solved their striker dilemma with the signing of Gyokeres. It means the Villa forward is unlikely to get his 'dream' move any time soon.

In addition to Watkins, United are also thought to be keeping an eye on RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko. However, the Bundesliga club are demanding around £70m for him and Newcastle are currently leading the race for his signature.

Although it seems clear that United are trying to sign a new striker before the Premier League season gets underway, Amorim has insisted that he would be 'happy' to begin the campaign without one.

Earlier this month, he said: "We have Josh [Zirkzee], we have Rasmus [Hojlund], so our focus is to improve the connection between them. I don't know if the positions are there for them. They have to work.

"They have other players that are fighting for that position. But again, I'm really pleased because they proved that the goals that they have, they are really humble. That is really important, and the best thing is that they chose to be here.

"They had other options, Champions League options, and they read everything people say about our club in the moment. But they chose to be here and that is a key point for me.

"I think our club in the moment, we need to be really careful when we sign a player. If we have to start the season with this squad, I'm happy because all the players that are here want to be here."

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