Manchester United legend Roy Keane has praised the performances of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

The England international has 21 goals in all competitions this campaign and Keane says that the forward has the ability to play for the Red Devils or another elite Premier League team:

“He could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he? Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City. That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it.”

“The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him, His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He’s having an amazing season.”

United are in the market for a striker

With Anthony Martial set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the campaign, Erik ten Hag’s side are expected to be on the lookout for a new No.9. Furthermore, while Rasmus Hojlund has been banging in the goals recently, United struggle to score when the Dane is not available.

Even so, it would be a surprise if they shelled out a sizeable sum on Watkins who is already in his late 20s. INEOS’s policy is to bring in younger players on lower wages, and the Aston Villa star would not fit into that remit, despite his undoubted talent.

Watkins’ likeliest destination is London

One of the clubs that Keane doesn’t mention is Arsenal, and they are the team who have been most heavily linked with the forward over the past few months.

If the 28-year-old does leave Villa Park this summer, it is felt that the Emirates would be his most likely destination. Keane is clearly of the opinion, though, that United should get involved in the race to secure his services too.