Manchester United want to make Ollie Watkins their third signing of the summer transfer window and Aston Villa are preparing for a bid by identifying his replacement
With just over a month of the summer transfer window remaining, it’s time for Manchester United to move into another gear. The Red Devils wasted no time in getting their first signing of the line, snapping up Wolves forward Matheus Cunha on the first day of the window by triggering his £62.5million release clause.
Negotiations for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo weren’t as straightforward. United’s third bid of £71m was eventually accepted and after announcing his arrival last Monday, Ruben Amorim’s side can move on to their next target: Ollie Watkins.
Mirror Football understands that Aston Villa striker Watkins is top of United’s shortlist amid their hunt for a new No.9. Villa won’t part ways easily, though, and sales will be important in funding a bid.
Four of Amorim’s five-man bomb squad remain at the club, having not travelled on their pre-season tour of USA. But talk of incomings is filling more column inches.
Here’s a round-up of the latest transfer news from Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Joshua Zirkzee makes feelings clear on Man Utd role amid new striker searchREAD MORE: Luke Shaw explains why ‘extremely tough’ Ruben Amorim was RIGHT to axe five Man Utd stars
Villa in talks with Watkins replacement
Aston Villa have identified RB Leipzig star Lois Openda as a replacement for Ollie Watkins should he join Manchester United. Belgian striker Openda scored 13 goals for Leipzig last season after notching an impressive 28 in his first term following his club-record £37m move from Lens in 2023.
A report from Belgium states that Villa have been in contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives for several months. However, it adds that Villa would have to sell Watkins before signing Openda.
United weighing up Pope bid
Manchester United are considering making a move for Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope after they agreed a deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton. Pope, 33, has entered the final year of his contract at St James’ Park and Eddie Howe’s faith has waned.
TalkSPORT report that the England international fits what United are looking for. Ruben Amorim wants to bring in a goalkeeper who can provide competition for Andre Onana.
Read the full story on Pope here.
Should Manchester United make a bid for Nick Pope? Have your say in the comments section.
Antony rejects trio of clubs
Antony has reportedly rejected offers from Sao Paulo, Botafogo and clubs in Saudi Arabia as he holds out for a return to Real Betis. Manchester United are said to be demanding £30m for the Brazilian winger and don’t want to loan him out again after his successful spell with Betis last season.
Spanish newspaper Estadio Deportivo add that Antony, 25, doesn’t want to stay in the Premier League. That’s despite rumoured interest from Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
