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

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·10 de julio de 2025

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

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.

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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 United faithful are at a loss with their centre-forward. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

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 has consistently been a standout performer in the PL in recent seasons. (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 out, one in 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.

*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.