Manchester United are keen to make their move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United have stepped up their striker hunt with a firm focus on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, exploring the financial framework required to land the England international before the summer transfer window closes. The Red Devils have zeroed in on Watkins as their primary target to lead the line under Ruben Amorim, with internal talks already underway to determine the cost of a potential deal.

Premier League pedigree appeals to Old Trafford

Watkins is viewed internally as a safe and proven option, a striker with Premier League experience, durability, and a consistent goal return. The 29-year-old notched up 16 goals and eight assists in 38 league games last season and has now hit double figures in each of his five seasons at the top level. His track record places him among the most reliable strikers in England.

Amorim’s preference for players already accustomed to the Premier League played a role in previous moves for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and Watkins fits the same mould. Manchester United believe Watkins would require little time to adapt, making him an ideal solution to their attacking inconsistencies.

Manchester United hope for deal below £45 million

According to The Athletic, despite Aston Villa’s insistence that Watkins is not for sale, there is quiet confidence at Old Trafford that a deal can be struck. While Villa demanded around £60 million from Arsenal in January, United are aiming for a package in the region of £40-45 million, taking into account the player’s age and limited resale value.

The potential financial structure could include an initial fee of £28 million, rising to £33 million with performance-related bonuses. Manchester United’s recruitment team views this as reasonable business in a market where goal-scorers often come at a premium.

Ollie Watkins the right fit for Amorim’s system

Watkins is not just about goals, his work rate, intelligent movement, and ability to drag defenders create space for teammates. Under Unai Emery, he is developed into a more complete forward, offering a focal point and aerial presence that United currently lack.

Crucially, Watkins also has a strong on-field rapport with Bryan Mbeumo from their Brentford days, where the pair combined for 40 goals in the Championship. That chemistry could be reignited at Manchester United, adding another layer of appeal to the transfer.

Amorim is building a squad capable of pressing high and attacking with pace. Watkins’s ability to run in behind defences and finish efficiently inside the box aligns well with that vision. His arrival could maximize the creative output of players like Bruno Fernandes and Cunha, bringing a sharper edge to Manchester United’s frontline.

While not the flashiest name, Ollie Watkins is exactly the kind of player Manchester United need right now. He’s consistent, experienced, and ready to contribute from day one. His physicality, mentality, and versatility make him a low-risk, high-upside signing for a team trying to return to its former heights.

At a time when the club cannot afford another attacking experiment, Watkins represents a measured and intelligent investment, the kind that could finally solve United’s striker conundrum.