Ollie Watkins has made his feelings clear on Man Utd as Aston Villa star targeted for stunning transfer

Ollie Watkins has already made his feelings clear on Manchester United amid links with a summer move.

Aston Villa’s Watkins, 29, had previously been the subject of a £40m bid from Arsenal in January, which was rejected by the Midlands side.

And although he remained at Villa, the England international voiced his frustrations at a lack of game time under Unai Emery.

Speaking after Villa’s 4-1 win over Newcastle in April, Watkins told Sky Sports: "Champions League, we've put in a lot of hard graft in the last few years to get to that position.

"I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games, so I'm not going to lie - I was fuming I wasn't playing.

"I let him (Emery) know that. He's the manager at the end of the day. I respect his decision. But I'm not one of the players happy to sit on the bench."

Now, he has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Ollie Watkins in action at Old Trafford (Credit:Getty)

On Monday (June 30), The Athletic reported that Watkins is on a list of potential targets for United if Rasmus Hojlund were to leave the club this summer.

The report states that “There has been contact between Old Trafford executives and their Aston Villa counterparts, via intermediaries, to explore the prospect of a deal, as United weigh up several striker options”.

Conversations also reportedly took place involving Watkins being part of a potential deal which would see Marcus Rashford stay at Villa, but no such deal has materialised at this time.

However, United’s priority remains getting a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo over the line, having seen two bids rejected in recent weeks.

Watkins would provide proven Premier League experience and evidence that he can perform at the highest level, something the likes of Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee lack.

But what has he said about Man United?

Ollie Watkins may leave Aston Villa (Credit:Getty)

Well, Watkins named Arsenal as a dream move back in 2020.

“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot,” Watkins told Sports Gazette.

“I’m an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he’s unbelievable to watch.”

And although his Arsenal connection will not please United fans, Watkins has also paid the club respect.

Ahead of United’s 4-2 League Cup third round victory over Villa back in 2022, Watkins said: “It is going to be a different game, obviously, them at Old Trafford. It isn’t an easy place to go and, after Sunday [when Villa beat United 3-1 at Villa Park on November 6 2022], they will be wanting to beat us.”

He added: “At Old Trafford… you need a bit of luck as well. If you get the lowest-ranked team, it is obviously a bit easier than playing United."