Man Utd offered new Ollie Watkins transfer hope after performing U-turn on move
Manchester United have turned their attentions away from Ollie Watkins and towards Benjamin Sesko. However, fresh developments could yet allow them to come back in for the Aston Villa star.
Villa's asking price on Watkins appeared to be a sticking point, with United seeming reluctant to part with the best part of £60m. Unai Emery's side were reluctant to sell, given their lack of back-ups in attack, but they are now eyeing up alternatives.
Curiously, Villa's main attacking target is Sesko's team-mate Lois Openda. According to reports in Belgium, the Premier League side have been exploring a move for Lois Openda for a number of months, with the interest said to be mutual.
Belgian international striker Openda has scored 41 goals across two seasons as a Leipzig player, but could be available after the German club missed out on European qualification. However, it is being reported that Villa will need to sell Watkins before they can bolster their attack..
Villa have had a quiet window so far, with Dutch starlet Zepiqueno Redmond their only attacking recruit. They weren't able to seal permanent moves for loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, leaving them with fewer options in attack.
Sesko and Watkins are both valued by their respective clubs at around £60million. However, United are more prepared to spend that kind of money for a player more than seven years younger than the England star.
Slovenia international Sesko, who turned 22 in May, has 39 goals across two Leipzig seasons. He was also a target for Arsenal before they swooped for Viktor Gyokeres, while Newcastle could yet pounce if they lose Alexander Isak.
While United wait to add to their attacking ranks, their current crop had a chance to show what they can do in front of goal. Ruben Amorim's side are in the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, where they made it two wins from two with a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth.
United scored twice in each half, with Rasmus Hojlund among those to find the net. They play Everton over the weekend before rounding off their pre-season campaign with a home friendly against Fiorentina on August 9.
Danish striker Hojlund is one player who could yet be sold to raise funds in a summer which has already seen United splash out more than £100m to bring Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford. 'I'm really happy with Rasmus. But I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market," United's head coach said.
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