Man Utd 'turn attention to Ollie Watkins' as board decide maximum fee they will pay

Manchester United are ramping up their efforts to secure a striker before the new season kicks off - with Ollie Watkins emerging as their top target. United manager Ruben Amorim is on the hunt for a proven goalscorer to spearhead his team's attack, and Aston Villa and England forward Watkins is viewed as the perfect candidate for the job.

This summer, United have implemented a strategy of recruiting players with Premier League experience, as demonstrated by the signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

United are maintaining this approach with a bid for Watkins, but the Mirror claim they're reluctant to meet Villa's £60million valuation of the 29-year-old.

There's optimism within the United board that a compromise figure of £40m-£45m for Watkins can be agreed upon with Villa, paving the way for a deal between the two clubs.

Watkins netted 17 goals last season, 16 of which were in the Premier League, and Amorim is seeking a striker who can immediately slot into United's line-up and consistently find the back of the net, without requiring time to adjust.

In addition to Watkins, United are keeping an eye on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but the Bundesliga club are demanding around £70m for him and Newcastle are currently leading the race to sign the 22 year old Slovenian.

United are considering deals for both Watkins and Sesko, but a move for Nicolas Jackson has been dismissed due to Chelsea's hefty £80million price tag for him.

While Amorim is eager to secure a new striker as swiftly as possible to allow him time to acclimate and develop rapport with his new colleagues, he acknowledges that negotiations may be protracted.

To finance a move for a striker, United must generate income from player sales, with the dual sale of Alejandro Garnacho and Antony - both omitted from the US tour squad - sufficient to fund a new forward.

United are also attempting to offload Jadon Sancho and Tyrrell Malacia, who joined Garnacho and Antony in being left out by Amorim, while Marcus Rashford's loan transfer to Barcelona has saved approximately £12m, with the Spanish titans covering his wages for the entirety of next season.

United's resolve to sign a new striker raises questions about the future of Rasmus Hojlund, who had a challenging last season, netting just 10 goals from 52 appearances in all contests.

Villa sources maintain Watkins is not on the market, but they demanded £60m from Arsenal in January, before altering their position when Jhon Duran departed to join Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.