Man Utd eye Ollie Watkins swap deal as Ruben Amorim gets creative in bid to sign star

Ollie Watkins remains high on Manchester United’s list of potential attacking reinforcements but finances could force head coach Ruben Amorim to take a creative approach

Manchester United have explored offering Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa as part of a deal to land Ollie Watkins, it has been claimed. Mirror Football understands Watkins remains United’s top attacking target as they continue their summer rebuild.

Head coach Ruben Amorim has already added to his ranks with swoops for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United have also let Marcus Rashford join Barcelona on loan, but more players are expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Garnacho is another of those up for sale, with the club looking for a potential suitor. And, according to The Independent, a player-plus-cash deal for Villa star Watkins is one avenue being explored.

The same publication claims United have also spoken to Chelsea over a similar swap deal as they attempt to stay within PSR rules. In the Blues’ case, Nicolas Jackson is the player who Amorim’s side would want as part of the arrangement.

Jackson has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after the arrival of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Chelsea still want £80million for the Senegal international, though, and United may struggle to meet that asking price without using a player towards the total.

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Chelsea were linked with Garnacho back in January, but he ended up staying at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season. Now, though, it is looking harder for him to find a way back in under Amorim.

Enzo Maresca’s side have already passed on one United winger this summer, declining to make Jadon Sancho’s loan move permanent. They are reported to value the Argentina international at no more than £30m, and United were asking for more than that in the winter window.

If United aren’t able to land Jackson or Watkins, they could return for Benjamin Sesko. However, new arrival Mbeumo has also made the case for playing as a 9 himself.

“I think now, in football, you have to be adaptable and to be able to play in a few other positions than what you’d say is your best,” the Cameroon international said. “I think it’s really good to gain experience. Obviously I played as a winger mainly at Brentford, but I don’t have one specific position where I feel I can do the best.

“But with Brentford I used to also play as a No.10 in the pocket or even as a No.9. I can play all those positions. Of course it will help me, because I’ve played in many formations before.”

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