Man Utd optimistic on u-turn to solve DOUBLE transfer problem for Amorim

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • Updated: 24 Jul 2025 19:52 BST
  • 4 min read
Ruben Amorim, Man Utd
© IMAGO

Manchester United believe they could secure a big money striker for Ruben Amorim this summer and also get an unwanted star off their books in the process despite failing to progress in talks to sign Ollie Watkins.

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United have been desperate to sign a striker this summer, while Watkins has been exploring his options to leave Aston Villa after seeing his gametime come under threat last season after the loan signing of Marcus Rashford in January.

Current ETV
Player image Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins

F (C)

Aston Villa logo

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins

F (C)

Aston Villa

Aston Villa

€61.4M

ETV Range

€55.2M - €67.5M

Villa’s issues with PSR in recent times led to Watkins being considered as a candidate to be sold this summer, with FootballTransfers being told of talks with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and United.

United’s interest has continued to be the strongest but Villa’s failure to keep hold of Rashford, combined with their inability to sign another forward this summer, has seemingly led to Unai Emery’s side closing the door on his departure

However, speaking to The United Stand, reporter Ben Jacobs claimed that, while Villa’s price tag of £60 million (€69m) has proven a stumbling block for the Red Devils, a deal could be revived later in the summer if their demands drop.

And Sky Sports are reporting that Villa maintain an interest in Alejandro Garnacho but they have been unable to meet United's valuation for the winger, leading to hope that a compromise could be reached for both players.

Man Utd look towards outgoings to fund transfer business

United have found their transfer funds limited due to their failure to sell a number of unwanted stars so far this summer, such as Jadon Sancho, Antony and Garnacho.

Marcus Rashford’s loan to Barcelona has eased the pressure on the club’s wage bill but high earners such as Casemiro have made strengthening the squad difficult past the signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Having seen approaches for players such as Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres fail so far, United have continued to cast their net wide, leading to the approach for Watkins.

Ollie Watkins is wanted by Man Utd.
© IMAGO - Ollie Watkins is wanted by Man Utd.

United are also believed to have been in talks with Villa to sign goalkeeper Emi Martinez, however a loan bid for the World Cup winner is understood to have been rejected.

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