MANCHESTER, England – Aston Villa has informed Manchester United that striker Ollie Watkins is definitively “not for sale,” shutting down recent transfer speculation, though a move for a teammate remains a possibility.
Villa digs in on star striker, opens door for goalkeeper
Aston Villa has issued a firm stance on Ollie Watkins, declaring the striker unavailable at any price.
- Manchester United have been told Ollie Watkins is not for sale by Aston Villa.
- Villa are reportedly willing to consider offers for goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
- United had previously expressed interest in Watkins, but deemed his reported £60 million price tag too high.
- A loan offer for Martinez was reportedly met with “incredulity.”
Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker this summer has seen them linked with several high-profile names, including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Nicolas Jackson, and Ollie Watkins. While Gyokeres is reportedly heading to Arsenal and United have seemingly withdrawn from the race for Sesko, interest in Jackson and Watkins has persisted.
Fresh talks over Watkins were reported on Thursday, but United apparently balked at his £60 million valuation. The understanding was that United would only “advance” if the price dropped, but Villa remained unwilling to negotiate unless a replacement was secured.
However, recent reports indicate a shift in Villa’s position. Sources suggest the Midlands club has now explicitly told United that Watkins is “not for sale,” with no price mentioned as acceptable. Aston Villa reportedly has “no plans” to part with their key forward and “insist he is not for sale at any price.”
The situation appears more fluid regarding Watkins’ Villa teammate, goalkeeper Emi Martinez. The Argentine international has been on United’s radar since the end of last season. With his future at Villa Park uncertain, he could be allowed to leave if his reported £40 million asking price is met.
United’s previous approach, a loan offer for Martinez, was reportedly “met with incredulity and rebuffed immediately.” More recently, reports suggest United have “cooled” their interest, unwilling to meet Villa’s valuation for the experienced goalkeeper. The possibility of Martinez moving to Saudi Arabia has also been raised, a move he was linked with at the end of last season. While he may prefer a switch to United, a Saudi Arabian club could represent his best option if a move to Old Trafford fails to materialize.
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