Manchester United are monitoring Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as a potential Joshua Zirkzee replacement, with Villa understood to be holding out for a £40 million fee, according to SunSport.

The report links the two situations directly: United would only pursue Watkins formally if Zirkzee were moved on from Old Trafford this summer, with any Zirkzee exit expected to take the form of a loan rather than a permanent sale.

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Zirkzee’s position under Carrick

Zirkzee arrived at United in the summer of 2024 from Bologna for £36.5 million, signed under Erik ten Hag after a standout Serie A season in which he helped the Italian side reach the Champions League. The premise was a technically gifted forward capable of contributing beyond the penalty area – not necessarily a prolific finisher, but an intelligent creator who could unlock space for teammates.

Joshua Zirkzee in action during a Manchester United fixture.

That profile has become the problem. With Benjamin Šeško leading the line and Bryan Mbeumo capable of deputising centrally, making it harder to establish himself as a regular starter under Michael Carrick. He managed just two goals in 24 Premier League games last season before injury ended his campaign early and disrupted his pre-season preparations. He did show well in pre-season against Rosenborg, .

INEOS have blocked a permanent sale, which explains why loan interest from Juventus and AS Roma has been the most credible exit route. .

Why Watkins fits the brief

Watkins offers something Zirkzee does not: a proven Premier League goal record. The 30-year-old has scored 91 goals in 221 Premier League games and brings Champions League experience – one goal and four assists across 12 European games – that would matter as United aim to compete on multiple fronts next season.

Ollie Watkins celebrates a goal for Aston Villa.

The Reds are not alone in their interest. Arsenal have also been linked with Watkins, and Fenerbahce reportedly considered a £30 million approach before pulling back short of Villa’s asking price. with interest from across Europe before United secured his services in a £36.5 million deal. so the logic of the Watkins interest holds – but the sequencing matters. A £40 million outlay is a significant commitment, particularly with midfield and full-back reinforcements also being pursued.

Player PL Goals PL Apps Reported Fee Ollie Watkins 91 221 £40m (Villa ask) Joshua Zirkzee 2 (last season) 24 (last season) £36.5m (paid)

Whether United move formally depends on Zirkzee’s situation resolving first – and with INEOS blocking a permanent exit, that could take time the window does not have in abundance.

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