Manchester United are exploring a bold move to bring Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to Old Trafford — and they’re willing to part ways with Marcus Rashford to make it happen.
Talks have reportedly taken place between United and Villa over a potential swap deal, as per the The Athletic. Watkins, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season, is seen as a more clinical presence up top.
Rashford, 27, spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park, but the club chose not to trigger their £40 million buy option.
Now, he’s back at United — but probably not for long. With three years left on his deal and limited suitors willing to pay top dollar, a swap deal may be the cleanest route out.
The England international is said to prefer a move abroad — ideally to Barcelona — but if that doesn’t happen, the Villa switch could still be on the table.
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Manchester United’s summer transfer plans
United’s transfer window hasn’t exactly been the shopping spree fans were hoping for. So far, only Matheus Cunha has come through the door.
Their pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is ongoing, with a £55 million offer plus add-ons already turned down.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund remains the only recognized No. 9 in the squad — and let’s just say he didn’t exactly set the league on fire last season.
Watkins, then, could be the answer to a question fans have been asking since the days of Lukaku: Where are the goals coming from?
United have also shown interest in Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres, but any major moves will likely depend on shifting out players like Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Garnacho.
Selling Rashford could provide both space and funds.
The club’s midfield also needs help. Ruben Amorim still wants to add more steel and spark to the center of the park, with Casemiro’s future hanging by a thread.
And if Rashford does leave? United fans will hope this gamble doesn’t end with them seeing stars — just not the ones scoring for them.
