Manchester, July 25 – Manchester United have reopened talks with Aston Villa over striker Ollie Watkins, with the Red Devils exploring attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season. As first revealed by Alex Crook, discussions have taken place over a potential deal, although Villa’s current £60 million valuation is considered steep by United at this stage.
Watkins, who scored 16 goals and provided 8 assists in 38 Premier League appearances during the 2024–25 campaign, remains a key figure at Villa Park. The club are not actively looking to sell and would only consider a move if a suitable replacement is secured. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is among those admired by Villa as a potential candidate.
The 29-year-old England international only signed a new long-term contract last October, keeping him tied to the club until June 2028, which gives Villa little urgency to cash in.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are assessing attacking options as part of their summer rebuild under sporting director Dan Ashworth and new manager Rúben Amorim. While Watkins is seen as a proven Premier League forward, United are not willing to meet Villa’s valuation without compromise.
In a separate development, Villa continue to show interest in United winger Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain after being told by Amorim earlier this summer that he is free to explore options elsewhere. Villa are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old, but no formal bid has been made.
Any pursuit of Garnacho is viewed as a separate deal and not directly tied to United’s interest in Watkins, although both clubs are understood to be open to further discussions in the coming weeks.
With Villa reluctant to lose their top scorer and United hesitant to overpay, the Watkins saga may depend on how the market develops—and whether either side softens their stance.