Manchester United's search for a new striker continues, with Ollie Watkins' name among the many being linked to the club.
The possibility of signing Watkins has split opinion among United fans. While he would undoubtedly provide an upgrade on the team's current goal-scoring options, many feel they should be looking for a star player, like Arsenal have done by reportedly closing in on a deal for Viktor Gyokeres.
It doesn't sound too likely that United will get a deal over the line. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, while Watkins is among the players the club have shown interest in, Aston Villa are unlikely to sell.
"From my conversations with Villa, they see themselves as having no intention to part with Ollie Watkins. They want him to continue with him up front for them," Ornstein told The Athletic FC's YouTube channel.
That's not surprising. Villa might lose a few key players this summer but won't give away their best striker for nothing.
Man United may have lost out on another potential striker transfer target
Just as United's rumored interest in Watkins split opinion, so will the report that Villa don't plan to sell him.
Some United fans will see it as another missed opportunity, which is fair. Watkins is a proven Premier League goal-scorer, having found the net 50 times in the league over the past three seasons.
However, he has never hit the 20-goal milestone in a Premier League campaign and has only gone above 16 goals twice in his entire career (19 in 2023/24; 25 in the Championship for Brentford in the 2019/20 season).
Before United can find a No. 9, they must get the Bryan Mbeumo deal finalized. It has been a frustrating process, but based on recent reports, it still seems like it will happen.
Watkins remains on United's list of potential targets, but that becomes irrelevant if Villa have no interest in listening to offers. Time will tell.