Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins amid their ongoing search for a new forward. The club has engaged in preliminary talks with Villa, who value Watkins at around £60 million. However, United are reluctant to meet this asking price, citing concerns over Watkins' age and limited resale potential. Watkins remains a target for several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle United, with Newcastle considering him as an alternative should they fail to secure Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool have also expressed interest in Watkins as part of a broader strategy to find alternatives to Alexander Isak, alongside players such as Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen. Meanwhile, Manchester United have also reached out to Ekitike, proposing a potential player-plus-cash deal to outmaneuver Newcastle in acquiring the striker. United's striker transfer shortlist reportedly includes Ollie Watkins, Hugo Ekitike, and Victor Osimhen, reflecting the club's efforts to resolve their attacking options ahead of the upcoming transfer window.