Man Utd can hand Aston Villa three big-name players to secure Ollie Watkins transfer

Manchester United have reportedly added Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to their shortlist in case they generate the budget to upgrade Ruben Amorim's attack further. The Red Devils are said to have held exploratory talks with Villa to understand the conditions of a potential deal, but they must sell players before making any formal move.

Amorim has used his initial summer budget to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million and target Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. United are closing in on an agreement, which would be worth slightly higher than Cunha's fee, after failing with two bids in the last month.

If they decide to progress their Watkins interest, the Old Trafford giants may need to offer Villa players to sweeten a deal and lower the 29-year-old's asking price. Express Sport pinpoints three options that should entice Unai Emery to part ways with his star striker.

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire will play an important role next season if he stays at United as expected this summer following a renaissance last term.

However, the 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract in M16, and Amorim has plenty of depth in defence.

Given this summer is United's final opportunity to cash in on Maguire, using him in a deal for Watkins could be the ideal outcome for both clubs.

As Villa prepare for a Europa League campaign, Maguire's domestic and European experience could prove valuable.

Mason Mount

Mason Mount enjoyed a run of games without suffering his latest injury setback at the end of last season, offering signs of encouragement for the 2025/26 campaign.

But even if the United No. 7 can remain fit for a prolonged period, it is unclear where he fits in Amorim's plans.

Mount suits the 'No. 10' roles best, but Cunha and Mbeumo are expected to fill those two positions in Amorim's 3-4-3, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad also ahead in the pecking order.

After the expiration of Marco Asensio's loan, Villa Park could be the perfect platform for Mount to reignite his career with regular game time.

Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho is almost guaranteed to leave United before the end of the summer, but his next destination remains to be seen.

The 20-year-old reportedly would prefer to stay in the Premier League, and Villa are among the clubs linked with a swoop.

Given United's £50m to £60m asking price is likely in a similar region to Watkins', sending Garnacho in the opposite direction could be the most straightforward move.

Garnacho has already been spotted in a Villa shirt this summer, sparking a reaction from already-disgruntled United fans.