Manchester United have already strengthened their midfield this summer, signing two players to address what had been their most glaring area of weakness heading into the new season.
With midfield business largely sorted, the club is now expected to shift attention toward overhauling their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Central to those plans is the future of Joshua Zirkzee, whose place at Old Trafford remains uncertain amid reported interest from AS Roma this summer.
The Dutch striker has featured sporadically over the past twelve months and is said to be seeking a move where he can secure regular first-team football.
According to Sun Sport, United will explore a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins if Zirkzee can secure a departure sooner rather than later.
Watkins has long been linked with a move to a bigger English club following several impressive seasons at Villa Park, and his output last term underlined why.
The 30-year-old scored 21 goals and provided five assists across all competitions last season, playing a notable role in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph.
Aston Villa are expected to sanction his sale should a club meet their reported asking price of £40 million for the England international.
Watkins is viewed as an ideal replacement for Zirkzee, capable of operating as a primary striker or alongside Benjamin Sesko in a two-man attacking line.
His extensive Premier League experience gives United confidence that he would adapt quickly and contribute immediately in a high-pressure environment at Old Trafford.
The forward has also featured regularly in European competition, including the Champions League, which suits United’s anticipated schedule of more frequent fixtures this season compared to last.
Complicating the situation is AS Roma’s timeline on Zirkzee, with Juventus potentially cooling their own interest in the player after completing the signing of Randal Kolo Muani.
Should Roma move quickly to finalise a deal, it could free United to press ahead with their pursuit of Watkins before the window shuts.
The entire transfer chain remains delicate, with United’s ability to land Watkins directly tied to whether Zirkzee can find a new club in the coming weeks.