Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins replacement?! Unai Emery's side open talks for Lois Openda as Man Utd look to complete swoop for England striker

United are accelerating their plans to sign a top striker this summer, with Watkins a main target alongside Benjamin Sesko. But with Newcastle also in the race for the latter, the Red Devils are putting in the groundwork to sign Watkins, with Villa reportedly now identifying Openda as a potential replacement for the England forward.

Villa have reportedly had their eye on the RB Leipzig star for months now, and have reiterated that no deal will be done for Watkins unless they have a replacement lined up. United believe a deal for around £45million could be done to sign the former Brentford man.

Openda bagged 24 goal contributions in 45 games for Leipzig last term, and is a 27-cap international for Belgium.

United are believed to be in negotiations with Villa over the Watkins deal, and the player himself is trying to push through a move. Villa will be hoping to have the situation resolved before the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign in the middle of August.