Manchester United target Ollie Watkins shows strong interest in budget-friendly transfer from RB Leipzig, who think United might not make a bid for Sesko.
Manchester United are actively pursuing a new striker, with Slovenia international Benjamin Šeško being their primary target [1][2]. The Red Devils have reportedly matched Newcastle United's £78m bid for Šeško, although a lower proportion of the fee is proposed to be paid upfront [1].
If Manchester United fail to secure Šeško's signature, they have an alternative option in Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus. Vlahovic is available as he enters the final year of his contract, and Juventus is open to selling him for a reported fee of around €25 million (£21.8 million, $28.9 million) [1].
Another striker that has caught Manchester United's eye is Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Watkins' desire to leave Aston Villa Park has been reported, and a bid of between £40m and £50m could be enough to prize him away [2]. A move for Watkins would give Manchester United funds to solve their other major problem position - holding midfield.
In addition to the named strikers, Manchester United are also reportedly scouting talent in the Portuguese league, with players such as Bryan Mbeumo and possibly others connected via Ruben Amorim’s squad or Portuguese-linked talents under consideration [1].
Meanwhile, both Man Utd and Newcastle are struggling to stay within the Premier League's PSR rules, with Aston Villa also facing a battle to keep their summer spending within these limits [1].
Unai Emery had been keen to sell Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey to meet the Premier League's requirements, but have yet to receive the desired interest [1]. Newcastle, on the other hand, have the advantage of being able to sell Alexander Isak for a nine-figure fee [1].
In a separate development, RB Leipzig are now keen to do business with Newcastle regarding Šeško [1]. Fabrizio Romano claims that Juventus have offered Vlahovic to Man Utd if they are unable to sign Šeško [1].
Following interest from Arsenal in January, Watkins may want to leave Aston Villa [2]. SunSport understands that Watkins feels the time is right to leave Aston Villa Park [2].
Notably, Manchester United have players like Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Chido Obi traveling with the squad, who could potentially cover short-term striker roles if no new signing occurs [1][2].
[1] - Fabrizio Romano [2] - SunSport
If Manchester United are unable to secure the signature of Slovenia international Benjamin Šeško, they might consider Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus or Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as alternative options. In the case of Juventus's Vlahovic becoming available, Fabrizio Romano claims that the club has offered him to Manchester United, should they fail to sign Šeško.
