Manchester United have placed Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins high on their striker shortlist as the club prioritises a major attacking reinforcement this summer
With the new Premier League season quickly approaching, Manchester United are eager to add a dependable striker to support Rasmus Højlund and improve their attacking options. Despite Benjamin Šeško recently committing his future to RB Leipzig with a new deal, he remains high on United’s wish list thanks to his imposing physical attributes, sharp finishing, and potential to grow into a top-class forward.
At the same time, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has caught the attention of United’s recruitment team. His standout performances last season, which helped Villa qualify for the Champions League, have made him a strong candidate. Watkins’ record in the Premier League and his consistent goal contributions suggest he could make an immediate impact at Old Trafford.
United are currently evaluating both players as they look to move into the negotiation phase. Šeško could cost between £63 million and £75 million, while Watkins is valued around £60 million by Villa. The club is reportedly hesitant to meet Watkins’ price due to concerns about his age and limited resale value. Attempts to include a player swap in the deal, such as Marcus Rashford, were reportedly turned down.
Manager Rúben Amorim is said to favour Šeško as his first-choice option, especially with Arsenal seemingly shifting their focus to Viktor Gyökeres. Watkins, however, is seen as a more experienced, ready-to-go solution who could fit seamlessly into Amorim’s high-energy system.
United understand the urgency of the situation, knowing that finalizing a deal soon would allow the new forward to settle in during the remainder of pre-season. As the club weighs long-term potential against short-term impact, the final choice will likely depend on financial flexibility and how negotiations unfold over the coming days.
