But after missing out on their primary targets, a move for Watkins is now a strong consideration and could be made towards the latter stages of the transfer window once United have offloaded a host of their fringe players. The club are keen to sell Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, who all do not feature in Amorim’s plans next season.

The Red Devils are also aware that Watkins will not be available cheaply, given that he is first-choice at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side are demanding in excess of £50million to part ways with the 29-year-old, with any sale likely to push them into the market for a marquee striker addition.

Villa have already been linked with Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson in recent weeks, and other targets are likely to be considered given that the club will not risk heading into the 2025/26 campaign without a ready-made striker ready to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

Emery’s side are also keen to sign United wantaway star Garnacho, which could open up the possibility of a swap deal or player-plus-cash deal involving Watkins, as long as the Argentine would be willing to snub interest from the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham.