Aston Villa Ollie Watkins transfer stance could pave way for Chelsea and Man Utd swap deal

It’s been a busy summer for both Manchester United and Chelsea, but there’s still plenty of business to be done. The Blues have been linked with Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato in recent days, while United are still on the hunt for a striker following Viktor Gyokeres’ impending switch to Arsenal.

Gyokeres seemed set to join United earlier in the window, with reports suggesting that the lack of European football at Old Trafford wasn’t a stumbling block. However, Arsenal’s successful chase has forced the Red Devils to explore other options.

One such alternative was Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but the West Midlands club have reportedly told their Premier League rivals he’s not for sale. That’s according to The Telegraph, who report a hands-off warning has been issued, with Villa unwilling to let go of the striker at any cost.

This is another setback for United, who had also shown interest in Hugo Ekitike before the Frenchman’s transfer to Liverpool. But all may not be lost, as Chelsea could potentially hold the solution to United’s striker dilemma.