Man Utd make feelings clear over Ollie Watkins after fresh transfer link

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Manchester United are not expected to make a move for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins despite showing interest in the past, according to BBC Sport.

England forward Watkins is believed to have come up in conversations within the United hierarchy while exploring the market for a back-up striker.

However, BBC Sport’s Simon Stone understands United are likely to prioritise signing a left-back in the final few days of the transfer window.

And that is set to be the case even if Joshua Zirkzee leaves Old Trafford, with the forward still of interest to Juventus, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

United have been linked with several left-backs this summer including Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and RB Leipzig's David Raum.

Watkins missed Villa's mauling at Brighton last weekend

Speculation is continuing to swirl regarding Watkins' future after he missed Villa’s 4-0 thrashing at Brighton and Hove Albion last Sunday.

When asked about the 30-year-old’s absence, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “This question is for him. You can call him and try to get his answer.”

Watkins is wanted by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who had a fourth bid worth €46.7million (£45m) rejected by Villa, as per The Athletic.

The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell reported on Monday that Watkins has since apologised to his Villa team-mates for missing the Brighton game.

Watkins is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the Premier League, having registered 108 goals and 47 assists in 278 games for the Villans.

STATS

Ollie Watkins

F (C)

A. Villa

Ollie Watkins

F (C)

A. Villa

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 55

  Games

• 21

  Goals

• 5

  Assists

View all stats

He has also netted seven times in 24 appearances for England and was part of the squad which competed at the World Cup this summer.

Villa have already lost several key players due to financial rules

Emery’s side are in the midst of a transitional summer and have already lost key stars Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne.

All four players, alongside Watkins, played starring roles in Villa winning the Europa League last season - their first European silverware since 1982.

The sales were a necessity as Villa must comply with UEFA’s squad cost ratio (SCR) rules, which restrict them to spending 70 per cent of their football-related revenue on player and staff wages, transfer fees and agent fees.

Villa also need to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which limit financial losses to a maximum of €122.7m (£105m) over a three-year rolling period.

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