According to the latest report from the British outlet The Mirror, Manchester United are seriously considering a bold summer move for Aston Villa’s prolific striker Ollie Watkins.
In a surprising turn, United are reportedly willing to offer Marcus Rashford—currently on loan at Villa—as part of a player-plus-cash deal to secure Watkins’ signature.
Watkins targeted as top striker priority; Rashford could be key
New Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has made it clear to club executives that a powerful, clinical striker who can seamlessly fit into his high-press, quick-transition system is a top priority. Ollie Watkins fits that profile perfectly.
United had already been monitoring Watkins during the January transfer window but ultimately chose not to act.
Now, however, the club is prepared to revive their interest and test Villa’s resolve with an ambitious offer: Rashford plus a cash package believed to be in the range of £25–30 million.
Rashford finds form at Villa; Emery keen to keep him
Since joining Aston Villa on loan earlier this year, Marcus Rashford has made a strong impression under manager Unai Emery.
Not only has he shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, but he was also involved in both legs of Villa’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain—evidence of his growing tactical importance.
Villa reportedly hold a £40 million option to make Rashford’s stay permanent, and Emery has already expressed a strong desire to keep the England international beyond this season.
Watkins frustrated with reduced role, open to move
In contrast, Ollie Watkins—once Villa’s undisputed No. 9—is experiencing a frustrating dip in minutes.
Despite scoring 27 goals last season and notching 16 so far this term, the emergence of Rashford in Emery’s plans has pushed Watkins down the pecking order.
Tensions reportedly reached a boiling point during the second leg of the PSG clash, where Watkins was left out of the starting XI.
Sources close to the club say he voiced frustration over the decision and is now open to the idea of leaving in search of a more stable starting role.
United aiming to strike early with player-swap deal
Facing intense competition in the summer transfer market, Manchester United are looking to move early and decisively.
Their plan to include Rashford in the deal—along with a substantial cash component—is seen as a pragmatic move to save funds while simultaneously meeting tactical needs.
This swap-style deal would not only allow United to secure a striker ready to contribute immediately, but it also provides Villa with a proven, in-form replacement—one who already fits seamlessly into their system.
United’s striker rebuild begins; Watkins, Delap under watch
Watkins is not the only striker on United’s radar. Ipswich wonderkid Liam Delap is also under close consideration, with United reportedly facing competition from Tottenham and West Ham.
Amorim sees both as viable long-term options as he begins overhauling United’s attack.
With several current forwards either aging, injury-prone, or inconsistent, United are preparing for a major revamp of their frontline. Watkins, given his Premier League pedigree and tactical fit, is high on the list.
Rashford departure no longer surprising; a win-win in the making?
While Rashford was once considered the face of Manchester United, his recent dip in form and strained relationships with the club hierarchy have led to increasing openness to a departure.
A permanent move to Villa—where he has found more freedom and consistency—could revitalize his career.
From United’s perspective, exchanging a struggling homegrown star for an in-form, system-fit striker could mark a fresh chapter for both club and player.
If executed well, this could be a rare win-win scenario in top-flight football.
One of the biggest deals of the summer?
Should the Rashford-for-Watkins deal go through, it would undoubtedly become one of the marquee transfers of the summer window.
Two high-profile England internationals switching clubs—one a marquee Premier League scorer, the other a fallen star looking for redemption—adds layers of intrigue, narrative, and tactical implications.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
The summer window hasn’t even opened yet, but if this deal materializes, it could be the first domino to fall in a dramatic reshaping of the Premier League’s attacking hierarchy.
