Manchester United have two stumbling blocks in a potential deal for Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins would be a great addition at Manchester United but a potential deal seems too good to be true.

Watkins is proven in the Premier League and he demonstrated his quality with England last summer at Euro 2024. He is an experienced centre-forward and would guarantee goals.

The 29-year-old ticks most boxes, although Aston Villa are believed to want £60million to consider a sale and United won't be able to meet that valuation, which puts a dampener on a proposed switch to Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford usurped Watkins' starting role at Villa Park for a handful of matches during his loan, but Rashford has returned to Manchester and is unlikely to be used in a swap deal.

United would have to fund a move for Watkins through traditional means and a summer sale of Rasmus Hojlund would unlock funds, but that is not close to happening at this stage.

Ruben Amorim is open to selling Hojlund and Inter Milan have shown an interest, but Hojlund played down the possibility of him making a return to Italy when he spoke last month.

"I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United," Hojlund said. "I'm looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway."

Most supporters have given up on Hojlund after an incredibly disappointing second season at the club, but he scored 16 goals in a positive debut campaign and could bounce back.

Having said that, Watkins would objectively be an upgrade on Hojlund and he should be targeted if the opportunity presents itself, although that will ultimately hinge on Hojlund's future.

Any advancement on the England international is more likely to happen near the end of the summer window, and the second stumbling block is