Man Utd 'plan' audacious swoop for Aston Villa star as Wolves target soon-to-be free agent with PL experience

Manchester United are hoping to kickstart their transfer plans with an audacious swoop for Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins, according to reports from TalkSport. Watkins has been one of the standout performers this season with an incredible 27 goals in all competitions - including a record-equalling 19 strikes in the Premier League leaving him just one away from surpassing Christian Benteke’s record.

Talksport claims that Watkins ‘fits the profile’ that Manchester United are looking for under new minority owner Sir Jm Ratcliffe who is keen to bring in an experienced finisher to play alongside Rasmus Hojlund. So far this season, the Red Devils have hit just 55 goals which is the lowest of any team in the top half of the table, and despite beating Newcastle 3-2 last time out they lined up without a recognised striker as Hojlund dropped to the bench.

Talksport understands that the Red Devils will sell the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Antony and several others to help facilitate the funds for the deal. While further reports from Sun Sport have claimed Villa will need to sell at least one big name player to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules despite qualifying for the Champions League.

However, Villa will be determined to keep hold of Watkins due to his contributions both in front of goal and his all round game which has seen him provide a league-high 13 assists for his team mates.

Wolves target soon-to-be free agent with Premier League experience

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is thought to be in talks over a new and improved deal at Molineux and reports from football transfers claim that the club have already began talks with their first potential signing which is thought to be Southampton striker Che Adams.

The 27-year-old is proven in the Premier League, scoring 25 goals in his four seasons in the top-flight with the Saints which equates to an average of around six a season.

Wolves feel the Scottish international would add further depth to support an attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-Chan and are hoping to sort the deal as promptly as possible when his Saints deal expires.

If the deal is successful Adams would arrive high on confidence after registering 16 goals in 40 Championship games. The striker is currently competing in the Championship play-offs and faces West Brom in the second-leg. FootballTransfers understand that Adams is keen to return to the top-flight and his future at Southampton could therefore be dependent on that game.