Man Utd 'decide' new striker target after accepting defeat in Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga

Manchester United are stepping up their interest in another striker after seemingly accepting defeat in the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga.

Man United have recruited Matheus Cunha from Wolves ahead of the new season and are interested in signing Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.

Ruben Amorim is also on the hunt for a new No.9 following the form of Rasmus Hojlund, who scored a measly four Premier League goals last season.

Gyokeres was on Amorim's radar, having played together at Sporting CP.

The Swedish forward, however, is thought to be closing in on a transfer to Arsenal, with the star player making a drastic decision to force a move away from Portugal.

But Ollie Watkins has emerged as a Man United target, with the Aston Villa man making his feelings clear on a potential move to Old Trafford.

And, according to the Mirror, Man United are stepping up their interest in Watkins after losing out on Gyokeres.

Manchester United have turned their attention to Ollie Watkins after accepting defeat in signing Viktor Gyokeres. Image: Getty

Per the report, Man United have held tentative talks with Villa about signing Watkins, who became unsettled last season after falling down the pecking order.

Villa would want around £60 million for the 29-year-old but Man United are unwilling to pay that much, given his age and lack of resale value.

Watkins has three years left to run on his existing deal.

Man United were willing to offer Marcus Rashford as part of a swap deal for Watkins, but Villa opted against signing the Red Devils forward following his loan spell.

It is also claimed that Man United's inability to offer European football could be an obstacle.

Amorim's side finished 15th in the league table and failed to qualify for the Champions League through the Europa League after losing 1-0 to Tottenham in the final.

Watkins, meanwhile, has been at Villa since the summer of 2020 following his £28 million switch from Brentford.

He has scored 87 goals in 223 matches across all competitions.