Aston Villa were slightly surprised Manchester United didn’t push harder for Ollie Watkins | OneFootball

Aston Villa were slightly surprised Manchester United did not push harder for Ollie Watkins as many had assumed the Old Trafford club were prioritising proven Premier League quality this summer, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.

The Red Devils had the Villa star on their radar and the Villa Park club were expecting an approach after their head coach Ruben Amorim complained about his side’s lack of goals.

However, Man United opted for 22-year-old Slovenian international Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

Delaney claimed in his ‘Inside Football’ weekly newsletter today that there was a surprise among many chief executives when it became clear Man United were moving ahead with the signing.

Watkins has impressed in the Premier League in each of the last five seasons, notching 75 goals in 184 league appearances for the Villans.

He will be 30 in December and the Red Devils opted for a younger striker capable of providing a long-term solution.

They signed Sesko in a deal worth £74 million but the Villa star would have cost less as the Midlands club were open to selling him for £60m.

It is believed £50m could have been enough to get a deal done for the former Man United target as he was keen on a move.

Villa could now be forced to sell key players this summer as they need to remain compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules after UEFA fined them earlier this summer for breaching their financial rules.

Arsenal wanted Watkins in January but a move did not materialise and they have since signed Sweden international striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

It remains to be seen whether other suitors will come for him after Man United also looked elsewhere instead, and the Villa star could remain at the club beyond this summer.