It's that time of the year where Manchester United is going to be linked to countless players during the summer transfer window. Right now, the main priority is no question to get things done and finalized with Brentford and winger Bryan Mbeumo.
Once that's all wrapped up, the main focus for Ruben Amorim and Co. will be to try and bring in a star striker. Not long ago, MUFC broke the bank to bring in Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, but he hasn't lived up to the hype and he could be on his way out of town before the season gets started.
If that turns out to be the case, there will be even more pressure for a replacement to be signed. Everyone has their attention on Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, but is there a different veteran playmaker to start following closely? That appears to be the case, as Laurie Whitwell has reported that United is showing interest in Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins:
Ollie Watkins among CFs considered at #MUFC if Rasmus Hojlund leaves. Full focus on Bryan Mbeumo deal, then outgoings - but work in background on other targets in case of sales.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) June 30, 2025
Initially raised in talks over Marcus Rashford’s proposed #AVFC transfer ⬇️https://t.co/B6YJlxEGzq
Manchester United reportedly has Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins on its list of forward targets
This really would be something. People all over Manchester are quite familiar with Watkins, as he's elevated his game to a new level in recent seasons. However, could he be the answer to the team's goal-scoring issues?
He's proven in the English Premier League, which would of course be a huge bonus. With that said, it seems like United supporters have mentally gone all-in on the idea that Gyokeres is going to say goodbye to Portugal and hello to Old Trafford.
There are still a lot of moving parts there. Some people are even leaving the door open for Marcus Rashford to return to the club and play the 9 spot, but that seems unlikely. Earlier this month, Watkins wasn't even on the radar for loads of fans.
However, Whitwell's sources are usually pretty dang spot on with the information they deliver to him. Watkins has scored some head-turning goals throughout his career and he'd most definitely be a step up from what we've seen out of Hojlund. It's too early to tell how concrete the interest is, but add Watkins to your list of transfer targets for your favorite club.