Manchester United have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of a number nine this summer.
Summer of frustration
While United have improved well at the number ten position with the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, they have missed out on numerous strikers.
They have been linked to a plethora of options such as Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike but all have gone elsewhere.
It is said that Ruben Amorim prefers an experienced Premier League proven striker and United have been credited with an interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The English forward certainly fits the bill as he plundered 31 goals and assists last season.
Reports of fresh contact this morning
Just this morning, news broke that United had been in recent contact with the Villans over a move for Ollie Watkins.
Allegedly, Villa have told United that they value the striker at £60 million and the Red Devils have no desire to pay a sum as large as this.
United would be prepared to make an official offer though, if his price were to come down later in the window.
Not for sale
The Telegraph are much more downbeat on the chances of an Old Trafford move for Watkins, however.
The English paper states, “Aston Villa have told Manchester United that forward Ollie Watkins is not for sale.”
Despite the Red Devils making an inquiry about the player’s availability, “Villa, however, have no plans to part with the £33m signing this summer and insist he is not for sale at any price.”
Where do United go now?
There is the possibility that Villa’s stance may soften later in the window, especially were Watkins to agitate for a move. It has been reported earlier in the summer that he would be keen to leave Birmingham for Manchester.
Nonetheless, if the reports are accurate, it is another striker option crossed off the list.
Nicolas Jackson remains a possibility and Benjamin Sesko may also become a realistic option should his price drop later on in the window.
Regardless, fans will be beginning to worry that there possibly will be no real number nine upgrade this summer after all.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
