Manchester United are continuing to pursue Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in their bid to add a proven Premier League striker to their ranks.
Already the Red Devils have added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to Ruben Amorim’s squad, bringing in two stars who performed exceptionally well in the Premier League last season.
Now, they’re turning to Watkins, having scored 87 goals and grabbed 42 assists in 223 games across five seasons at Villa Park.
As such this is a major improvement on Rasmus Hojlund who has failed to provide consistency in front of goal and now looks likely to return to Serie A following his successful stint with Atalanta before moving to Old Trafford in 2023.
It’s understood that Watkins would also be keen to move to join Amorim’s squad, giving United a massive boost to signing the talented England international.
As such, it’s believed that a move could be completed for around £50 million, with Villa now having lined up Watkins’ replacement.
Sacha Tavolieri has taken to X to report that Villa are now looking to Lois Openda of RB Leipzig.
It’s understood that the parties have been in contact for several months about a potential move, lining up a successor for Ollie Watkins should the striker leave this summer.
However, Villa have to offload Watkins before they can sign another attacker to Unai Emery’s squad.
As such, this hands another major boost to United in their pursuit of the striker, forcing Villa’s hand to accept a potential move.
🏴 🟣 Aston Villa Football Club is an option for Loïs Openda. There have been contacts between the parties for several months now. There is mutual interest….
That said, #AVFC must sell Ollie Watkins before making a move for an attacking player. One to watch. #mercato #RBLeipzig pic.twitter.com/Mm6tZoAf0W— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 30, 2025
