There are a few dominoes that need to be put in place before he can find himself unveiled at Old Trafford, but Ollie Watkins is still very much on Manchester United's radar.
The Red Devils already snapped up Youri Tielemans from Villa Park earlier this summer and are now set to return to their star striker on one condition.
In a summer full of deals, the England international will be a huge hit for INEOS – giving Michael Carrick a proven Premier League goalscorer.
|
Premier League figures are 25/26 |
Ollie Watkins |
Benjamin Sesko |
Bryan Mbeumo |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,852 |
1,635 |
2,621 |
|
Goals |
16 |
11 |
11 |
|
It helps |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
P90 pistols |
2.62 |
3.36 |
2.51 |
|
XG |
15.2 |
9.65 |
12.2 |
While there is no denying that Benjamin Sesko is the future of Man United, Watkins will come in as a reliable, consistent and experienced goalscorer.
If the Red Devils are to maintain their top four finish and potentially challenge for the Premier League title, strength in depth and consistent players will be key. Watkins can provide just that.
Whether the dominoes fall at the same time for United to sign the England international remains to be seen.
Man Utd understudy Ollie Watkins is moving forward on one condition
According to Solezwe, Man United is expected to officially sign Watkins if Joshua Zirkzee leaves this summer. The striker has been linked with AS Roma and Juventus following a difficult campaign at Old Trafford, but he is still on the verge of an exit.
Negotiations for Watkins will be much easier if Aston Villa sign Nicolas Jackson. The Chelsea striker would have taken the natural position, perhaps allowing United to enter.
In terms of pricing, there is a potential trade deal on the table. While Fenerbahçe have already seen a £30m offer rejected for the 30-year-old, reports say Villa could consider a £40m offer.
For a striker who scored 190 goals and was called “amazing” by Villa manager Unai Emery, that's an undeniable advantage.
Man Utd have submitted an offer for Eduardo Camavinga
Even with Watkins on their radar, Man United are far from done. They have also bid to sign Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, according to recent reports, as they look to complete the stadium rebuild.
With Tielemans and Andrey Santos already in the door, the Frenchman would be an excellent addition. It's not a deal that will come at a hefty price, either.
Reports claim that Real Madrid have set a €60m (£51m) price tag this summer, which could follow the trend of midfielders at Old Trafford.
