Watkins scored and assisted during Villa’s thrashing of the Magpies over the weekend. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

INEOS have just found out how much they’ll have to pay for 111 G/A Premier League talisman — as Hojlund nears exit

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Isabel Ryan | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 2:15 AM ET

Aston Villa have outlined their demands for Ollie Watkins amid growing interest from Manchester United.

This week, the Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for Watkins amid increased uncertainty over Rasmus Hojlund’s future; Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that United had been discussing a move that would see Hojlund join Inter Milan since May.

It’s also been claimed that the club could try and strike up a deal for the Villa talisman irrespective of whether the Dane leaves or stays put, and any potential pursuit would not hinge on the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, for whom United had a £62.5 million bid rejected in the last few days.

United set sights on Ollie Watkins coup

Whilst slightly older than the targets INEOS have previously pursued at 29 years old, it’s safe to say Watkins is a relatively risk-free coup for United in the aftermath of a campaign in which they scored only 44 Premier League goals.

The centre-forward boasts a hugely impressive record of 75 goals and 36 assists in 184 top-flight appearances. For the last three seasons, he has notched 15 or more league goals and oversaw a particularly stellar term in 2023/2024 when scoring 19 goals and registering 15 assists.

Watkins is a fully-fledged England international with 18 caps to his name and five goals to show for it, so he’ll undoubtedly be looking to reignite his most prolific form in 2025/2026 in hopes of earning a World Cup call-up next year.

Villa outline demands for Watkins

Alas, such consistent displays from the former Brentford ace haven’t gone unnoticed by the Villa board of all people. As a result, they will reportedly demand £60m to sanction his exit this summer, as per The Mirror.

The outlet adds that United have ‘accepted defeat’ in the race for Viktor Gyokeres, hence turning their attention to a like-for-like alternative in Watkins.

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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