David Tully Jul 30th 2025
TalkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is “very open” to the possibility of joining Man United.
The 29-year-old is one of two options (along with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko) that the Red Devils are looking at as they target a new No.9, and Jacobs says Watkins is a “concrete possibility”.
“My understanding is Watkins is very open to Manchester United, but Villa will have a big say in all of this, and we have to respect the position, which is, as of now, Watkins isn’t for sale…”
“Manchester United are relatively optimistic that, at the right number and with the right set of circumstances, Watkins may become a concrete possibility. They just have to be a little bit patient, potentially.”
Up until now, it has been claimed that Watkins’ asking price has been set at £60m, but Jacobs suggests Villa may accept a proposal below that figure:
“Some sources even close to Villa hint that an offer in excess of £50m, rather than £60m, might stand a realistic chance [of being accepted] as well, especially if the player drives a move away in any capacity.”
Will Man United sign Watkins or Sesko?
A lot depends on whether Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell wins over the rest of the recruitment team. The German has signed Sesko twice before, and he is keen to recruit him for the Red Devils.
Unlike Watkins, the Slovenian is available for transfer now, with reports suggesting that Leipzig are willing to sell him for £60m.
It means Sesko would probably cost slightly more than Watkins but he is also 7 years younger than the England international.
There are also other factors to consider. Newcastle have also held talks with Sesko’s agent and if the Magpies manage to persuade the player, it could force Man United’s hand. There is a feeling that things will move quickly over the next week or so.
In other news, fans react to reports that Man United have ruled out a move for another Aston Villa player
David Tully
David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World’s Football News Network.
