Manchester United are reportedly mulling over offering Marcus Rashford in the deal to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by the Daily Star, Ollie Watkins is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a striker heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Aston Villa centre-forward. They are contemplating offering Marcus Rashford in the deal to sign his compatriot.

Ollie Watkins and his recent growth

Ollie Watkins has come leaps and bounds since joining Aston Villa from Brentford in September 2020. The Englishman was among the most highly-rated strikers in his homeland half a decade ago and has fulfilled that potential by becoming the leader of the attack at the West Midlands club.

The 29-year-old has been among the most productive attackers in the Premier League and has continued his excellent form this term. Watkins has contributed to 29 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions, finding the back of the net 16 times and providing 13 assists.

Meanwhile, Watkins’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the English international, with Manchester United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Manchester United’s interest in Ollie Watkins is understandable. While Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are promising strikers, they have not been prolific enough in front of the goal this season. So, Manchester United can do with a productive centre-forward in the summer transfer window.

Watkins has thus emerged as a viable target for Manchester United, and they are mulling over an exchange to land the 29-year-old Englishman in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are ready to offer Marcus Rashford in the deal to sign Watkins from Aston Villa. The academy graduate has resurrected his stuttering fortunes during his loan spell with Aston Villa, and they can seal a permanent deal for £40 million.

While Aston Villa might pursue a permanent deal for Rashford in the summer transfer window, it is unclear if they are ready to part ways with Watkins. Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed that the English international is worried about his future after starting on the bench in a few games. So, it will not be surprising to see an exchange deal involving the £40 million-rated Manchester United misfit and the Villa striker.