United View: Reds target Watkins

A lot can happen in the space of a week, but as far Manchester United are concerned, not much has. 

Last week there were reports that The Reds had submitted an improved bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, as they look to secure the Cameroonian’s signature before the start of pre-season. 

However, the bid, in excess of £60m, is still believed to be short of The Bees’ valuation, with the West London club holding out for a slightly higher fee. 

Though there is still optimism among the higher ups at Old Trafford that a deal can be struck, the 25-year-old staying at the Gtech Community Stadium is still a concrete possibility, with Brentford’s director of football Phil Giles saying he would “not be massively surprised” if Mbeumo did stick around next season. 

Elsewhere, the hunt for a new number nine continues, with United reportedly keen on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. 

The 29-year-old is seen as an option to replace the out of favour Rasmus Hojlund, should the Dane leave the club.  

Both United and Villa had held talks regarding a potential swap deal which would see Marcus Rashford – who spent last season on loan at Villa Park – move in the opposite direction, but Rashford’s desire to join Barcelona has put an end to this possibility. 

If United are able to gather enough cash elsewhere from potential player sales, this may be one to keep an eye on later in the window. 

Another Aston Villa player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford is goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. 

The 2022 World Cup winner is reportedly open to the switch, but as with any other incomings this summer, this would likely hinge on potential outgoings. 

Current United number one Andre Onana, who has endured his fair share of criticism since joining from Inter in 2023, would likely need to be moved on to facilitate the Argentine’s arrival. 

Monaco had expressed an interest in the Cameroonian, but this has since cooled, meaning both moves now seem rather unlikely. 

On the subject of Aston Villa, The Reds have also been linked with former Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has failed to nail down a starting spot since joining Italian giants Juventus. 

With the Old Lady reportedly interested in signing United outcast Jadon Sancho, a move for the Brazilian could involve the winger going in the other direction. 

With Ruben Amorim’s side set to begin pre-season training on July 7, United will hope to have at least one more addition by then, to add to the acquisition of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.