Even as Manchester United continue to move heaven and earth in search of a new striker this summer, they are yet to answer a very fundamental question.
Do the Red Devils go for an experienced number nine with massive short-term benefits but almost no future upsides or do they take a gamble on yet another up and coming talent who has shown promise?
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Their transfer targets don’t suggest a clear direction, at least as of yet. Common sense would tell you that the presence of Rasmus Hojlund warrants the signing of an experienced striker who can contribute immediately but also help coach the young dane.
However, Man Utd’s transfer business in recent seasons has generally not made much sense on paper.
As per The Daily Mail today, there are two strikers at the top of United’s shortlist as of this moment – Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins.
These are two players at the opposite ends of their career spectrum at the moment. The former is a Slovenian youngster making waves in Bundesliga while the latter is an experienced Premier League number nine in the prime years of his career.
Now, according to the report, Manchester United are preparing a bid of around £45million to try and sign Watkins from Villa Park.
The Red Devils believe that such a fee would be enough to convince Unai Emery & co. to part ways with their star striker even though the Birmingham-based club insist he is not for sale.
How big should Manchester United bid for Watkins?
Incidentally, it has been mentioned, as per The Telegraph, that Aston Villa are likely to consider a sale only if a club offers in excess of £50m, if they at all do. It remains to be seen if Man Utd are actually willing to do that to bring the 29-year-old to Old Trafford.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has also mentioned that Watkins wants the move to OT this summer and has mentioned a price tag of around £50m.
Man Utd might be slightly short of the valuation with their opening offer but it is important to remember that negotiations are a marathon and not a knock-out Wimbledon match.
Although Sesko continues to be on the radar of the English club, signing Watkins might make more sense this summer.
Despite his age which would all but eradicate a sell-on value if spends a few seasons at the M16, the potential upsides of the transfer outweigh the negatives.
It remains to be seen if Manchester United make a move in the coming days to sign Ollie Watkins this summer from Aston Villa.
It could all come down to the fee that the two clubs agree on and let’s wait and see how things play out.
