Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is on Manchester United's list of potential striker recruits if Rasmus Hojlund leaves Old Trafford this summer. (Athletic - subscription required)Villa are set to offload forward Louie Barry to Championship side Hull City.

Manchester United were linked to Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins on Monday by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, who noted Watkins was initially part of a proposal for a permanent transfer offer for Marcus Rashford.

United did have Watkins in mind as an alternative to Hojlund in the summer of 2023, but then manager Erik ten Hag and recruitment staff pressed ahead with the younger striker from Atalanta. In October 2023, Watkins signed new terms at Villa running to 2028.