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Ruben Amorim is also in the market for a reliable No. 9, especially after Rasmus Hojlund managed just a few Premier League goals last season.
Gyokeres had been on Amorim’s shortlist due to their time together at Sporting, but the Swedish striker now looks set to join Arsenal after pushing for a move away from Portugal.
In light of that, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has emerged as a serious target for United, with the striker reportedly open to a switch to Old Trafford.
Reports suggest United have ramped up their interest in Watkins following the collapse of the Gyokeres pursuit.
Initial discussions have taken place between United and Villa, with Watkins said to be unsettled after losing his starting role late last season.
Villa are believed to be holding out for a significant fee, but United are hesitant to meet that valuation due to the striker’s age and limited resale potential.
Watkins still has time remaining on his current contract at Villa Park.
United reportedly offered Marcus Rashford in a potential swap deal, but Villa declined after the forward’s underwhelming loan spell in Birmingham.
Another complication is United’s lack of European football, which could make it harder to convince top-tier players to join.
Amorim’s side finished in the lower half of the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification after a narrow Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
Watkins, who joined Villa from Brentford, has scored consistently across all competitions since his arrival.
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