17 June 2023 , 12:32
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Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United as manager Erik ten Hag continues his search for a new striker.
Watkins netted 15 league goals last season to help fire Villa into Europe, having scored 11 and 14 respectively in his previous two Premier League campaigns. Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane was United's top target, but they appear to have abandoned their move for the England captain.
Kane is out of contract with Tottenham next summer, but chairman Daniel Levy is desperate to keep him for another year and is willing to risk losing the England captain for nothing. As a result, United have turned their attention to other targets, including Watkins.
According to the Athletic, Ten Hag wants a "no risk" signing and Watkins is among the forwards being considered given he has a proven Premier League record. The report states that Watkins 'has been watched by United' and has just two years left on his current deal.
However, the 27-year-old has previously admitted his "dream" move would be to Arsenal, having grown up as a Gunners fan who idolised Thierry Henry. Speaking back in 2020, when he playing for Brentford in the Championship, Watkins told Sports Gazette: "That's the dream to play for Arsenal one day.
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"But it's a long shot. It's only because my family support them and stuff like that. But that's a long-term [goal].
Harry Kane was United's top target, but their pursuit has stalled with Tottenham desperate not to sell the England captain (Getty Images)"I'm an Arsenal fan, so Thierry Henry was my [favourite player]. He's unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really." The likes Victor Osimhen, Rasmus Hojlund, Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos are also on United's radar.
And Mirror Football understands that Benfica have given superagent Jorge Mendes a mandate to find a buyer for Ramos this summer after the 21-year-old found the back of the net 27 times in all competitions, having stepped into the void left by Darwin Nunez's £85m move to Liverpool.
Benfica are understood to have set an asking price of at least £80m plus add-ons for Ramos, who notably scored a hat-trick at the World Cup after being picked over Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal's last-16 tie against Switzerland.