Manchester United end their pursuit of £60 million star; asking price a major obstacle

“No [Villa won’t let him go], not easily anyway,” he told Football Insider.

“Arsenal tried in January to get him out of there, but then it would have to be a whole rebuild for them in the final third of the pitch for Aston Villa.

“I think the problem Man United have got is the £60million valuation Villa have put on him.

“Man United baulked at that price tag straight away.

“He’s 29 now and he’ll be 30 by the end of the season, and there aren’t many clubs that will pay north of £60million for a player of that age.

“He’s got three years left on his contract at Aston Villa and he’s a key part of what they do.

“Man United and Newcastle, yes they can afford the fee and he could lead the line at either of those two clubs, I think he’s a top quality player who could do a job for both of them.

“But I think the asking price and valuation has put both of them off.”

Watkins’ pace, run-behind ability and positioning make him one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League. The Englishman consistently troubles defenders and also makes valuable contributions in the pressing game. By including such a player in the team, United could have given a new direction to their attacking depth, but both age and price have forced the hierarchy sitting at Old Trafford to think. The club will now have to look at alternative options.

Is this decision right?

Honestly, from a fan’s point of view, getting a player like Watkins for £60 million seems a bit heavy, but in the current situation, United will have to be a little bold. Sesko is already seen leaning towards Newcastle United. In such a situation, Randal Kolo Muani is the only real option left to add to the front line; otherwise, we will be forced to rely on Hojlund again. Last season showed that relying only on potential can be costly. The club should take a decisive step as soon as possible, otherwise the next season will also start without a cutting edge. We believe that if Watkins was not expensive, United would have to make a move for him, but the situation can definitely change if we manage to sell Alejandro Garnacho for a profit.