The latest on Ollie Watkins to Manchester United and Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa.

Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as a priority transfer target this summer.

The Red Devils are determined to sign a new centre-forward before the start of the season and have seemingly reduced their shortlist to just two players, Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. According to talkSPORT, Sesko is the backup option to Watkins, who is currently seen as the best candidate.

Birmingham World revealed last week that Villa are maintaining a firm, not-for-sale stance for Watkins. At that point, it was understood that no approach had been made for the striker by any club in several months despite widespread speculation. The vast quantity of reports now emerging suggests that this may have changed in the past few days, however.

Man Utd suggest Watkins and Garnacho swap

United are unwilling to pay the £60 million fee Villa demanded from Arsenal for Watkins, with Ruben Amorim’s side instead valuing the striker at around £45m, according to The Athletic. There’s a belief at Old Trafford that Villa will give in and sell Watkins at around that price, as long as they sign a replacement first.

Another option - if United are unwilling to stump up the extra cash or Villa remain stubborn - could be to exchange two players in a stunning swap deal. Villa are understood to be interested in signing Garnacho this summer but are in a similar position to what United are in for Watkins; the Villans don’t want to pay United’s £60m valuation.

The Independent reports United have already proposed swapping Garnacho for Watkins, directly suggesting the idea to Villa. There’s been no movement just yet, though, as Unai Emery doesn’t want to wave farewell to his star striker.

Watkins says yes to Man Utd - could copy Isak trick

There’s been plenty said about the stances from both clubs, but what about Watkins himself? Well, the striker is attracted by the idea of signing for United. Birmingham World understands Watkins is happy at Villa Park but wouldn’t rule out conversations over a move elsewhere.

The Manchester Evening News reports, meanwhile, that well-placed sources have suggested Watkins is open to joining Man Utd this summer. The prospect of linking up with big-money acquisitions Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo is an alluring one, especially as he’d be the one spearheading the new-look attack.

Things could turn ugly if Watkins decides to try forcing a move, perhaps adopting an approach similar to that of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Magpies centre-forward didn’t travel to Singapore with his teammates for a pre-season tour and it’s become rather public knowledge at this point that Liverpool are weighing up a record-breaking bid.

Watkins, who turns 30 in December, has played at least 30 Premier League matches in each of the last five seasons. Since joining Villa from Brentford for around £28 million in 2020, Watkins has scored 87 goals and provided 42 assists in 223 appearances across all competitions. He’s also only missed seven games through injury during this period, proving his reliability.