According to a soccer insider, Aston Villa is reportedly open to selling striker Ollie Watkins this summer.
Since Rashford moved to Aston Villa earlier this year, Watkins has seen limited playing time with the club.
Manager Unai Emery has been supporting Rashford in his team’s selection against Watkins, the club’s first choice striker.
Rashford has worked well in that role, and if his transfer becomes permanent to the club, it may open the door for Watkins to consider his future and think about moving out of the club.
Former Villas Coutomyc Brown, who served as Chief Scout for Manchester United and Blackburn, has revealed that Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation for Watkins.
“I put a lot of effort into convincing the villa to sign Watkins when I was there.” Brown told Soccer Insider.
“The reason is that he is different from most strikers at this point because he always wants to stretch his defenses, drift wide and run behind.
“He did it very well in his time at Villa and showed that he could do it on the English team as well.
“There was always been almost a question mark about his control and his consistency in front of goal.
“But he never stops working or improving, I think that was clear. He’s got a lot of points.
“So from what I heard, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all seen him, so too have Arsenal after they tried to sign him.
“What happened at the villa is that Marcus Rashford comes in and he plays the same role as Watkins.
“He’s chosen to start some big games for Emery because he looks like he’s back to his best.
“Watkins is definitely part of their plan, but if he makes that deal permanent, he’s not going to make Rashford happy playing a second fiddle.
“If that’s the case, I hope that all four teams I mentioned earlier will make a move.
“The villa is ready for it, they know the interest and he may leave the club if an offer is made that they think will be accepted.
“It would leave some space for Rashford to come in and they probably wanted something else too.”
What’s next for Man United and Arsenal’s target Watkins?
If Villa moved Rashford to the club forever, United could ask Villa for Watkins in a swap deal.
It’s a move that fits both parties, as both clubs will get the players they need.
The need for a new striker for Old Trafford is clear, and Watkins has an impressive track record in the Premier League.
The Red Devils may face competition with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side and sign an English international attacker.
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