(Football news) The Red Devils intend to add competition and support for Rasmus Hojlund in the 2024–25 season, therefore they will buy a new striker in the forthcoming market.
Watkins, who has made 52 appearances for Villa this season and scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists, was urged to be moved for by Erik ten Hag’s team earlier this year by former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
“He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he?” Keane told Sky Sports News. “Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City. That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it.
“The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him. His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season.”
Manchester United are considering making a move for the England international during this summer’s transfer window.
The report claims that new Red Devils minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe views Watkins as the ideal player to help Hojlund next season, but a deal will be difficult, as Villa have qualified for next season’s Champions League and are in a strong financial position.
Watkins also penned a new five-year contract at Villa Park last October, with his terms now running until June 2028.
The forward has scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists in 36 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 campaign for a Villa side that have confirmed a top-four spot in the table.
Watkins has been in sensational form for Villa this season, with the 28-year-old developing into one of the most complete strikers in the Premier League.
The Englishman’s record for his current side now stands at 70 goals and 26 assists in 168 appearances, following on from the 49 goals and 17 assists that he managed in 143 matches for Brentford.
Watkins has shown his credentials in Europe this season, netting five times in 10 outings in the Europa Conference League, while his Premier League record is 59 goals and 26 assists in 145 games.
Man United need an experienced striker to help Hojlund next term, and Watkins looks the ideal fit, but it will be very difficult for the club to sign him.
Even considering the team’s struggles, the forward is likely to be open to a switch to Man United, but Villa are under no pressure to sell, with Watkins therefore potentially needing to actively force an exit in order for a deal to become possible in the upcoming market.
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