Huge swap deal touted as Man Utd rival Liverpool in shock pursuit of £60m Aston Villa star

Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise summer swoop for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins but face competition from one of their bitter rivals.

The Red Devils, currently 14th in the Premier League with five games to go, have endured a severely disappointing season. Ruben Amorim’s side could yet qualify for the Champions League, however, as they are in the semi-finals of the Europa League and the winners of that tournament earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition.

Man Utd still have plenty to play for this campaign as a result, but that doesn’t mean they’re not already looking ahead to what could be a pivotal transfer window. United have scored just 38 goals in 33 Premier League games this season and undoubtedly need to bolster their attacking line, with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee not firing.

Watkins, who has publicly voiced his concerns over a recent lack of starts at Villa, could be an option. The England international was benched for five of the Villans’ last seven matches in all competitions and he will want to return to his talismanic status otherwise a summer transfer away could be on the cards.

A response last time out - a goal, an assist and an excellent performance overall in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United - suggested that might not end up being the case, but there are still many games to go and Watkins could yet face more benchings.

The Daily Star reports Man Utd are keeping a close eye on Watkins’ situation and are seriously considering making a bid to sign the striker in the summer. It’s claimed a huge swap deal is being considered involving Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Villa from United with an option to buy for £40 million.

The report suggests Man Utd are looking into the logistics of a potential deal before putting an offer on the table. If things were to progress, it would be quite the turn of events after Villa turned down a £40 million bid from Arsenal in the winter and prioritised keeping Watkins over Jhon Duran, who left for Al-Nassr in a £67 million transfer.

Liverpool could hijack Man Utd transfer

It’s not just United and Arsenal keen on Watkins, though, as Liverpool are reportedly weighing up an approach. The Reds are on track to be named Premier League champions but Arne Slot isn’t quite content with his attacking options and wants an overhaul in the summer.

Football Insider reports Watkins is a target for Liverpool as they look to address Slot’s concerns. Villa are said to be considering selling the striker for around £50-60 million as they see Rashford as an upgrade.

Emery originally wanted to utilise Rashford as a left winger but the manager appears to have changed his mind as the Man Utd academy product has been used as an out-and-out centre-forward over the past month or so.

In other news, Emery has explained a shock decision involving Villa duo Pau Torres and Leon Bailey.