United did have Watkins in mind as an alternative to Hojlund in the summer of 2023, but then manager Erik ten Hag and recruitment staff pressed ahead with the younger striker from Atalanta. In October 2023, Watkins signed new terms at Villa running to 2028.

Manchester United were linked to Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins on Monday by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, who noted Watkins was initially part of a proposal for a permanent transfer offer for Marcus Rashford.

Ollie Watkins has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United, as the Red Devils look to revamp their forward line this summer.