Hojlund will represent Denmark in their double-header vs Portugal at the end of the month. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Thurs morning update: INEOS tell Amorim lacklustre Red must be sold before they can pursue £60m ‘ready-made’ frontman

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Isabel Ryan | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 6:53 AM ET

Manchester United have concrete interest in Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins, but must sanction the exit of Rasmus Hojlund before pursuing a transfer.

In doing so, INEOS would be directly opposing Hojlund’s wishes after he expressed his desire to see out his contract, which runs until 2028, at Old Trafford.

Yet, cutting ties with the lacklustre forward prematurely could perhaps be the most suitable way forward for United to have any chance at competing amongst those at the top end of the table next season.

United mull over Hojlund exit and Watkins acquisition

The possibilities are definitely there, too, as Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Red Devils have been in talks with Inter Milan since May to discuss a potential deal for Hojlund, who is garnering plenty of interest from Italian sides.

He spent one season in Serie A with Atalanta prior to his United move and scored nine goals in 32 appearances. The striker would then go on to better such a return in his maiden Premier League campaign, during which he netted 10 goals in 30 matches.

However, Hojlund seemingly regressed in his sophomore term, having recorded a measly four goals throughout 2024/2025.

Why is Watkins an ideal target for Amorim?

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

In regards to the side’s interest in Watkins, CaughtOffside has revealed that it has to be a one in, one out scenario between the England international and Hojlund.

Waktins, 29, is viewed as a ‘ready-made’ option to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks ahead of his first full season in the dugout.

Season	Games	Goals	Assists
24/25	38	16	8
23/24	37	19	15
22/23	37	15	6
21/22	35	11	2
20/21	37	14	5

*Watkins’ all-time Premier League statistics, courtesy of Transfermarkt

Villa are reluctant to part ways with their trusted frontman, especially given they offloaded Jhon Duran in the winter, but may be cornered into a sale in a bid to comply with PSR. As such, it’s thought they would demand £60 million for the proven goalscorer.

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

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