Aston Villa have made it clear that England striker Ollie Watkins is not for sale, despite growing interest from Manchester United. According to reports, United have initiated discussions with Villa over the possibility of signing Watkins, but the Birmingham-based club has communicated their stance that Watkins is a non-negotiable asset.
Watkins, who has been a key player for Villa since joining from Brentford in 2021, is valued at around £60 million. His potential transfer comes as part of United's ongoing search for a reliable striker, alongside other targets such as Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
While United's interest in Watkins has intensified, Aston Villa are also reportedly keen on signing Alejandro Garnacho, a player United are looking to offload. However, Villa's pursuit of Garnacho faces significant hurdles, as United's current asking price is reportedly too high for Villa to meet outright. Garnacho, who has expressed a preference to remain in the Premier League and compete in the Champions League, has also attracted interest from Chelsea, though no concrete offers have materialized.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, Villa's management has reiterated their commitment to retaining Watkins, highlighting his importance to their squad. Meanwhile, United's focus has shifted towards player sales following their recent acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71 million. With the departures of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and potential exits for Jadon Sancho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, and Garnacho, United is actively working to balance their books through player transfers.
In related news, Sky Sports has announced an expanded Premier League coverage for the upcoming 2025/26 season, with at least 215 live matches set to be broadcast exclusively on their platform. This represents a significant increase from the previous season's 128 matches, ensuring that 80% of all televised Premier League games will be available on Sky Sports.
As the transfer window continues, the situation involving Watkins and Garnacho remains a focal point for both Aston Villa and Manchester United, with both clubs navigating the complexities of player valuations and strategic needs. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how these negotiations unfold, as they could have a significant impact on both teams' seasons ahead.
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**Image Credits:**
- Manchester United's initial talks with Aston Villa over Ollie Watkins.
- Aston Villa's keen interest in Alejandro Garnacho.
- Sky Sports' expanded Premier League coverage for the 2025/26 season.
**Source:** [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/32461/13401150/ollie-watkins-transfer-news-aston-villa-consider-england-striker-not-for-sale-amid-man-utd-interest)
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