Ollie Watkins’ stance on Manchester United move amid Ineos’ £70m Benjamin Sesko concerns

“Footballing boss Jason Wilcox and recruitment chief Christopher Vivell have left no stone unturned on the striker front as they know they need to ‘get it right’.”

The club feel adding the right No.9 is crucial to unlocking the full potential of their new signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Watkins is valued highly not just for his consistency but also for his experience, having reached double figures in every Premier League season he’s played. While Villa maintain publicly that he’s not available, they are exploring other forward options themselves, including Nicolas Jackson.

Man Utd insiders have concerns over £70m Benjamin Sesko deal

If the Watkins pursuit falls through, attention will shift to Sesko. Talks have already taken place with the 22-year-old, and United have put forward a proposal this week.

But Newcastle are also stepping up their efforts, making it a two-way battle for the RB Leipzig forward.

Bailey’s update on Sesko suggests there are still some doubts within the club: “Talks have taken place with Sesko’s camp. Vivell knows the player well and has talked up the prospect of the Slovenian arriving at Old Trafford.

“However, the prospect of signing another young striker for around £70million is a worry to some within the club given the situation that has unraveled with Rasmus Hojlund.

“There is also the fact that Newcastle United are in talks over Sesko and are ready to pay Leipzig’s asking price, something we are told United would be unlikely to do.

“United do have money to spend on a striker, but they do still need to move on from the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho, while Hojlund being moved on remains something both the player and club are open to.

“United remain clear in their belief that they need a new number nine. They are delighted with the work they have done so far but they are not finished.

“There is real hope at United that they could have their new striker in before the start of the new season. Ruben Amorim has underlined he needs that player to lead the line, it sets up his whole system.”