Manchester United are keeping a close eye on potential opportunities in the summer transfer window after signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
The two signings have cost United £133.5 million, but with a new striker still a priority, more spending could be on the cards. Names like Benjamin Sesko, Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks.
On the pitch, United are stepping up their pre-season preparations, currently in the US for the Premier League Summer Series. They will face West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton, before taking on Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.
It has been reported that Aston Villa have stated Watkins is not for sale following initial contact with Manchester United.
The 29-year-old England international is thought to be among a number of strikers the club are looking at, including Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
Watkins is valued at around £60 million by Villa.
It is understood that the club (United) have not made direct contact with Villa to enquire about a possible move for the striker.
There are better options available. Watkins, who turns 30 at the end of the year, does not fully align with the club's push for emerging talents with high resale value. In contrast, targeting someone like Benjamin Sesko makes more sense at this stage.
Not only does he fit United's priority of a younger profile, but the path to signing him is less crowded now that Arsenal are no longer in the race – a smarter, more strategic move for the club.
United are among several clubs interested in Senegalese forward Idrissa Gueye. The 18-year-old is expected to leave FC Metz just months after joining from Generation Foot.
Reports add that Metz are looking for a fee of €200,000 (£170,000) to part ways with the youngster. Both United and Borussia Dortmund are said to have been tracking him for "several months".
The 18-year-old perfectly embodies the type of young, high-potential talent United are targeting as part of their long-term strategy. His profile fits with the club's broader vision of building a team that can deliver immediately while also laying solid foundations for the future.
