Ollie Watkins' stance on Man Utd transfer as Ruben Amorim eyes Marcus Rashford swap deal
Ollie Watkins has fallen out of favour at Aston Villa under Unai Emery, with Marcus Rashford the first choice up front - and Manchester United could use the situation to their advantage
Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins may be interested in a swap move to Manchester United after losing his place in the team to Marcus Rashford. The England forward was benched in the club's biggest game of the season against PSG on Tuesday, with Rashford favoured up front by Unai Emery.
Watkins has openly admitted he was "fuming" to be left out of the crucial clash and with Rashford now seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, he could be tempted by a transfer - especially given the huge interest in his signature.
Arsenal failed with a move for the striker in January and now United are considering trying their luck with a swap for Rashford and Watkins, given the former's success at Villa Park so far on loan.
And if Villa opt to take up their option to sign Rashford for £40million this summer, Watkins could be tempted to move the other way to United. According to the Daily Star, the England footballer may consider the move as he searches for regular football.
Ruben Amorim is in desperate need of a new striker this summer after watching poor displays in front of goal from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee - who have six Premier League goals between them this season.
READ MORE: Andre Onana's future at Man Utd uncertain as Ruben Amorim faces £60m decisionREAD MORE: Man Utd ready to green light shock Marcus Rashford swap deal to land Arsenal targetUnited have also been linked with Amorim's former Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, but he could cost up to £70m. The club have been linked with Liam Delap too, but know they will have to sell before they can buy amid their financial difficulties.
They could see Watkins as the perfect option given that Rashford is likely to move to Villa this summer. The 29-year-old was restored to the starting XI in the 4-1 loss to Newcastle, but before that he only started one of their last six games.
Watkins wasn't the only player unhappy after being left out of their second leg clash against PSG - which they lost 5-4 on aggregate - with Marco Asensio and Jacob Ramsey also benched.
"I was fuming I wasn't playing," Watkins told Sky Sports. "I let [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.
"It's something I haven't experienced before and then to miss out on the biggest stage, you always want to play, especially in the Champions League. Me and a few others are disappointed we didn't start the game but like I said, it's the manager's decision.
"We did end up beating them but obviously not across both legs. The team played really well but I wanted to be out on the pitch much longer, I wanted to be starting in the important games because I've played a big part to get to where we are today."
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