Ollie Watkins position clear on Man Utd transfer as Benjamin Sesko decision made

 Manchester United are focused on securing a striker before the Premier League season kicks off.

Ruben Amorim has already received much-needed attacking reinforcements in the summer transfer window, but there's still a gap to fill. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have been brought in for a combined fee of £133.5million, but United are desperate for more firepower.

Cunha netted 15 goals in the Premier League last season for Wolves, while Mbeumo bagged 20 for Brentford, but neither are natural No.9s. This is where United have been hunting for a new addition.

However, with no European football to tempt targets after finishing a disappointing 15th last season, they lost out on Liam Delap to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal.

The summer transfer window stays open until September 1, but Amorim is gearing up for their opening Premier League match against Arsenal on August 17. And here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Manchester United transfer news.

Watkins eager for Man Utd switch

Ollie Watkins is Manchester United's top target in their quest for a centre-forward. Benjamin Sesko was considered, but the RB Leipzig striker isn't seen as a better option than Watkins, who is a seasoned Premier League forward.

However, United are reluctant to meet Aston Villa's £60m asking price for the England international. Instead, they're hoping to negotiate a deal in the region of £40-45m for the 29-year-old striker.

One factor working in their favour is that Watkins is reportedly keen on the move. Despite being a key player for Villa in recent years, he has had disagreements with Unai Emery over Champions League selection and would likely be the main man at United, where squad rotation would be less of an issue.

Dortmund in for Sancho

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho, who seemed destined for Juventus, could now be heading back to Borussia Dortmund for a third stint. Sancho has been frozen out at United, having been told he doesn't feature in Amorim's plans.

Last month, he agreed terms with Fenerbahce, but that deal fell through. Then came Juventus, who were believed to be close to signing the 25-year-old winger for £21.6m.

Now, reports suggest United might sell Sancho back to Dortmund for between £15-17m, giving him a third spell at the German club. Sancho first made his mark in Germany, joining United for £73m based on his performances there, and also had a loan spell at Dortmund in 2024.

Jackson not an option

United have ruled out signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea this summer. Jackson is considering his future after the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

Although United held discussions with his agent, Chelsea's asking price has deterred them. The Blues suggested a price tag of £100million, but even a reduced valuation of £80m is deemed excessive for the Senegal international, whose contract with Chelsea runs until June 2033.

United are now focusing their attention on Watkins, with Sesko also being considered.