Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and members of the recruitment department attempted to gauge whether Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins would be prepared to agitate for a move to Old Trafford before deciding to prioritise pursuing RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils have been on a summer spending spree as they attempt to improve their attacking options after missing out on European qualification and silverware last term, with Bryan Mbeumo becoming the latest big-money acquisition when he completed a switch worth up to £71million from Brentford earlier this month.
Matheus Cunha has also arrived at Manchester United, thanks to triggering the £62.5million release clause written into his Wolverhampton Wanderers contract, but Amorim has turned his attention towards securing a marksman who is capable of leapfrogging Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the pecking order.
Red Devils Held Watkins Talks Before Rethink
Frontman firmly on radar in bid to secure additional firepower
Manchester United sounded out Watkins before making a major U-turn and earmarking Sesko as a more likely signing, according to GMS sources, as influential figures behind the scenes were determined to discover whether he would be interested in embarking on a fresh challenge before attempting to test Aston Villa’s resolve with a formal bid.
The 29-year-old has been endorsed by new recruit Mbeumo, who has described him as a ‘complete striker’ after playing alongside each other at Brentford, and he worked his way firmly into the Red Devils’ sights as they continue searching for additional firepower in the final third of the pitch.
GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United were confident a breakthrough could be made in the £50million region for Watkins, who enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign, but Aston Villa’s stubborn stance and fears that their pursuit could drag on has led to Sesko coming into the picture as their first-choice target.
The Red Devils will not pay any of Marcus Rashford’s salary during his initial loan spell at La Liga heavyweights Barcelona, which was sealed last week, and that has resulted in them having further scope to complete more business before the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1.
Manchester United have been hopeful that Watkins will be open to pushing for a move to Old Trafford as that could lead to Aston Villa softening their stance, GMS sources have learned, and Amorim initially deemed him to be a better solution to their attacking problems than Sesko.
Watkins Seen as Ideal Fit Due to Track Record
England international boasts plenty of Premier League experience
GMS sources have been told that there was originally a belief behind the scenes that Watkins would be an ideal fit for Manchester United because of his track record in the Premier League, along with his playing style, and there has been a serious possibility that he will be the subject of an offer.
The England international’s contract situation has been threatening to complicate matters for the Red Devils, as he still has three years remaining on his £130,000-per-week agreement at Aston Villa, but he has remained firmly in their sights as they aim to go into the new campaign with further ammunition.
Manchester United have decided to pursue Sesko because of his current availability on the market, GMS sources understand, and it has been acknowledged by key decision-makers behind the scenes that he is more easily attainable than Watkins at this stage of the summer transfer window.
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