Ollie Watkins celebrates with Morgan Rogers during a friendly match against Aston Villa’s Aintrack Frankfurt (pictured by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Manchester United continues to pursue Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, and now it appears that plans are in place to replace him at Villa Park.
Well connected sources are notified Catch off side The villa is seriously considering raising interest in the RB Leipzig Striker Lois Openda as it faces the prospect of losing Watkins to Man Utd.
The Red Devils have yet to have a high-level discussion over Watkins, but there is a sense in the industry that Reuben Amorim is really enthusiastic about the deal.
Meanwhile, United Director Christopher Vibell is the driving force behind the club’s interest in Benjamin Sesco, but Newcastle is also still in the race at Slovenia International.
That could mean Watkins would become a more realistic target, and the villa doesn’t seem to take the chance.
Lois Openda swapping Ollie Watkins at Villa Park?
Openda was impressed while in his time at Leipzig, scoring a total of 41 goals in all competitions in his 89 appearances for the club.
If AVFC were to move Watkins to Old Trafford, it would not be easy for AVFC to replace Watkins, but Openda would make sense as an option to consider.
Catch off side Leipzig understands that it won’t make Belgian International cheaper, but one source says it will cost “at least 60 million euros.”
Watkins or Sesco to Man United?
Although a search for United strikers has not yet been made, sources increasingly hope that it will be either Watkins or Sesco participating.
Amorim’s preference is for proven Premier League players who have already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer.
England International could be a smart short-term option, but I also imagine that there is a great driving force behind people like Sesco moving as a better long-term investment.
Newcastle is also a serious candidate for Leipzig’s frontman, especially amid doubts about Alexander Isaac’s future at St. James Park.

