Ex-Manchester United midfielder Lee Sharpe says his former club should consider a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
The England international has been in great form so far this season, scoring 7 times in 13 games and, speaking to AGamble.com, Sharpe said that the striker could add depth to United’s forward line:
“I’m always surprised that most clubs only ever have one centre forward. When United won the treble they had four centre forwards.”
“I think because they play three up top now with only one centre forward it makes it a lot more difficult to have a squad with a few centre-forwards in it, but I think Ollie Watkins would be great at United. I think he has great vision, great feet, can bring people into play and can score goals. I think he’d relish playing on the big stage.”
Watkins has only recently signed a new contract
While Sharpe is undoubtedly correct that Watkins would be a useful addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad, the likelihood of him moving clubs in the New Year is rather low.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a transfer away from Villa Park, with Chelsea said to have been among his suitors, but he put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at the end of last week.
United are expected to reinforce their defence in January
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that United’s recruitment team are currently on the lookout for a centre-back, rather than a forward.
The Red Devils reportedly have four names on their shortlist of targets. Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio are all being scouted.
It doesn’t rule out United pursuing another attacking option, though, and if Jadon Sancho does leave there is a good chance that a replacement will be sought out.
