Man Utd 'get Ollie Watkins green light' as Aston Villa transfer conditions laid out

Manchester United have reportedly been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins. The Red Devils have been keen to bolster their attacking ranks significantly this summer, and a No. 9 is firmly among their priorities.

Ruben Amorim has already welcomed Matheus Cunha to his ranks from Wolves, and negotiations are still ongoing with Brentford over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo. United are also looking at adding a focal point to their frontline.

Watkins has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, and GiveMeSport report that the England international would be open to the move if United arrive with an offer over the coming weeks.

The Red Devils have prioritised alternative options so far this summer, missing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea before being snubbed by Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres, who is keen to join Arsenal instead and talks are ongoing for the move to come to fruition.

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But after missing out on their primary targets, a move for Watkins is now a strong consideration and could be made towards the latter stages of the transfer window once United have offloaded a host of their fringe players. The club are keen to sell Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, who all do not feature in Amorim's plans next season.

The Red Devils are also aware that Watkins will not be available cheaply, given that he is first-choice at Villa Park. Unai Emery's side are demanding in excess of £50million to part ways with the 29-year-old, with any sale likely to push them into the market for a marquee striker addition.

Villa have already been linked with Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson in recent weeks, and other targets are likely to be considered given that the club will not risk heading into the 2025/26 campaign without a ready-made striker ready to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

Emery's side are also keen to sign United wantaway star Garnacho, which could open up the possibility of a swap deal or player-plus-cash deal involving Watkins, as long as the Argentine would be willing to snub interest from the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham.