Manchester United are believed to be considering a sensational player-plus-cash offer for Aston Villa’s prolific frontman Ollie Watkins, with rising star Alejandro Garnacho potentially included in the deal.
This move, reported by The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, highlights United’s growing need to reinforce their frontline while also balancing the books amid Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions.
Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly uncertain, with the Argentine winger not being viewed as a guaranteed part of the club’s first-team plans heading into the new season.
Man United want to use Garnacho to sign Watkins
Alejandro Garnacho in action for Man United against Ipswich Town (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
United’s decision-makers are reportedly open to using the 21-year-old as a bargaining chip in negotiations to lure Watkins from Villa Park.
The rationale behind this bold approach is twofold. Firstly, Watkins, who earns £130,000 per week at Villa Park, fits the bill as an experienced and reliable Premier League striker.
The England international has hit double digits in league goals in each of his five seasons at Villa, making him an attractive solution to United’s ongoing scoring woes.
Secondly, the club is seeking to generate “pure profit” through player sales to remain compliant with FFP rules.
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Ruben Amorim is looking for a reliable goal scorer
Ollie Watkins warming up for Aston Villa (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Man United are under pressure to find a consistent goal scorer after their frontline struggled throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed a combined total of just seven league goals last season, proving the need for a more clinical finisher at the top of the pitch.
While Aston Villa have not indicated any interest in parting with Watkins, especially so close to the start of the new season, United’s potential package could bring them to the negotiation table.
Apart from Watkins, the Red Devils are also keeping tabs on RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko.
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