Manchester United want to sign a new number nine this summer and after initial first choice options have been flying off the table, Premier League proven has become the motto once more.
One way to describe Manchester United’s transfer business this summer would be smart, and the reason for this is that Ineos are minimising the risk of failure by recruiting players who have already proven their quality in England.
Ruben Amorim asked for Premier League proven signings, as a sure-fire way of ensuring that a player can cope with the physicality of the league.
This was put into practice by signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who are two of the best players in the Premier League who weren’t already at an elite club.
So, with United now focusing efforts on signing a striker, it can be assumed that the club will want to follow a similar trend.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is one United linked striker domestically, while another is now emerging as a serious target for the club.
Manchester United step up Ollie Watkins chase
Goals were the biggest demand from this summer’s transfer window as United scored just 44 in total last season in the Premier League.
Due to this, it is no shock a striker is desired, and now United in Focus understands that the Red Devils are stepping up their interest in signing Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.
As revealed at the start of this month exclusively by United in Focus transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, Watkins was an option Jason Wilcox was seriously considering.
Now, it is believed that United are focusing on their main options for the striker position, with Watkins considered a genuine target.
We are told that Watkins is open to the idea of moving to Old Trafford and has been promised the starting striker role if he does.
United in Focus also understand that there has been “fresh contacts” with Aston Villa, who as it stands are demanding £60m for the striker.
On this, Bailey has added that Watkins really is one of the serious options for United.
“United are working hard on their next deals in the market – they want a new number 9, midfielder and goalkeeper – but the new striker is seen as a key move having secured Cunha and Mbeumo.
“United are doing work on the market and Watkins really is one of their main targets now – they feel he can come in and perform straightaway with his Premier League experience.
“Villa’s stance has always been they would be open to a deal and indeed their interest in Nicolas Jackson – also on United’s radar – could signal Watkins’ own departure.”
Ollie Watkins can complete transformational Manchester United overhaul
Heading into this summer, we couldn’t have imagined such a drastic attacking overhaul would be possible on a limited budget.
Cunha and Mbeumo alone combined for 35 goals last season, while signing Watkins would be another 16 in the Premier League.
These three alone outscored the entire United team last season with 51 compared with the Red Devils 44. This is such a massive upgrade and should be certain to bring goals.
Watkins is the perfect signing for United, proven in the Premier League and at an age where he can help Chido Obi and even Rasmus Hojlund evolve.
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