Man Utd 'make fresh contact' for Ollie Watkins transfer as Aston Villa decide price

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Aston Villa over revisiting their interest in England striker Ollie Watkins. The Red Devils are determined to continue improving their forward line with the addition of a No. 9.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have strengthened Ruben Amorim's attack but another key figure could yet be signed. Watkins has long been linked with United and also had interest from Arsenal in January. The 29-year-old scored 17 goals last season and registered 14 assists, with big clubs attracted to his output in the final third. United are reportedly yet to make an offer for the former Brentford star but have made contact with Villa.

According to TalkSPORT, the Villans will demand the same £60m fee they wanted from Arsenal for Watkins during the winter transfer window. The Gunners eventually baulked at the figure and are widely expected to solve their striker issue with the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres over the coming days.

After spending over £130m on Cunha and Mbeumo, United are unlikely to pay out big money on a new striker until significant sales have been made. There is yet to be a permanent exit from Old Trafford, although Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona could be turned into a long-term deal for around £26m next summer.

Rashford was part of a 'bomb squad' of unwanted United players who were only allowed to train at Carrington once Amorim's squad had departed on their pre-season tour. Also part of the fringe group are Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia. Each of the quartet have been told they can find new clubs.

United have also been linked with new midfielders who suit Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system better than the Portuguese coach's current options. It remains to be seen how much the club can spend without a major sale being sanctioned.

United's need for a new centre-forward was emphasised last season, with Rasmus Hojlund and £34m signing Joshua Zirkzee both struggling for goals. They scored four and three Premier League goals, respectively, with Amorim's other stars unable to make up for their shortcomings. United scored only 44 top-flight goals last term and finished 15th.

There is hope that Cunha and Mbeumo can bring the goals to United's forward line that were lacking last term. They bagged a combined 35 Premier League goals for Wolves and Brentford, respectively, last term. Both can play as strikers when required, too.