Manchester United could be handed a huge gateway to signing Ollie Watkins this summer with Aston Villa seemingly opening the door to his departure.
Watkins is believed to be among United’s top targets to strengthen up front along with Benjamin Sesko, although the RB Leipzig youngster is understood to be the club’s ideal option.
United could also leverage Villa’s interest in Alejandro Garnacho to facilitate a deal for Watkins but, despite weeks of talks, the Midlands side are not willing to sell the 29-year-old currently.
But the situation could soon change if Villa secure a replacement for Watkins and journalist Sacha Tavolieri has suggested that Leipzig’s Lois Openda is an option in such a situation.
Villa are said to have been in contact with the Belgian’s representatives for ‘several months now’ but a deal is only feasible if Watkins is first sold due to PSR limitations.
United likely to need sales to fund striker transfer
United have made contact with Leipzig and Sesko over a transfer, with reports that the player would prefer a move to Old Trafford instead of Newcastle, whom he is also deep in talks with.
However, United may need to sell a player such as Jadon Sancho or Antony before they can finance a move for Sesko or even Watkins and no acceptable offers have arrived for either player despite significant interest.
Sesko is set to decide on his future in the coming days but he may end up committing to Newcastle if United cannot offer a concrete counter proposal, which would leave Watkins as Ruben Amorim’s standout choice.
Leipzig are still believed to be open to Openda’s sale even with the impending departures of Sesko and Xavi Simons, with the 25-year-old believed to be keen on an exit after the Bundesliga side failed to qualify for a European competition for next season.
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