Aston Villa refuse to sell Ollie Watkins as United pivot to €20 m-rated teen Idrissa Gueye

Manchester United’s search for a striker has taken a dramatic turn, with Aston Villa slamming the door shut on Ollie Watkins — forcing the Red Devils to consider teenage sensation Idrissa Gueye instead.

Erik ten Hag’s side remains busy in the summer transfer market after already splashing out a staggering £133.5 million on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. But the hunt for a new centre-forward is still very much alive.

Among the names circulating on Old Trafford’s radar, Watkins emerged as a prominent candidate. However, United have hit a brick wall. According to Sky Sports, Aston Villa have made it crystal clear that their 29-year-old England international is not for sale — despite United’s preliminary approach.

Watkins, who is approaching 30, has enjoyed stellar form under Unai Emery and is considered untouchable by the Villa hierarchy. Despite murmurs of interest and early contact, Manchester Evening News understands United have yet to make a formal offer, and Villa’s stance remains firm: hands off.

The striker is reportedly valued at around £60 million — a fee United may have deemed excessive for a player edging into his thirties. The refusal adds another twist to United’s striker saga, where alternatives such as Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have also been shortlisted.

From a strategic standpoint, Watkins’ age places him outside the club’s current transfer blueprint. United are actively prioritising younger talent with high resale value, and the Villa man doesn’t fit that bill. In contrast, the 21-year-old Sesko — who has recently attracted interest from across Europe — appears more aligned with the club’s evolving vision.

As the Watkins pursuit stalls, United are reportedly shifting focus to a rising teenage star.

French outlet L’Équipe reports that the Reds are one of several clubs in discussions to sign 18-year-old Senegalese striker Idrissa Gueye. The youngster only joined FC Metz from Generation Foot earlier this year, but is now being eyed for a potential €20 million (£17 million) move.

Both Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are said to have held contact with the player’s entourage in recent weeks. Metz, meanwhile, is reportedly open to selling, provided their valuation is met.

United have been tracking Gueye for “several months,” according to sources. The teenager’s style and ceiling tick every box for a club determined to rebuild with youthful firepower. His signing would mirror a broader philosophy led by sporting director Dan Ashworth, who is tasked with lowering the squad’s average age while raising its long-term value.

While Gueye remains a raw talent, United insiders suggest his profile could mirror previous coups such as Alejandro Garnacho — players acquired early and nurtured into elite performers.

Back on the pitch, United are preparing for their next match in the Premier League Summer Series. The squad is currently stateside, gearing up to face West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton, before returning home to host Fiorentina at Old Trafford on 9 August.

For now, fans will have to wait to see who — if anyone — joins the club’s frontline this window. One thing is certain: the Watkins saga is over. The Gueye story, however, may just be getting started.