Man Utd get immediate Ollie Watkins transfer response after Aston Villa approach

Aston Villa have informed Manchester United that Ollie Watkins is not on the market after they expressed interest in the striker. Watkins, 29, is on United's radar as Ruben Amorim prioritises signing a No. 9 for the remainder of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have already acquired two forwards - Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo - for a total of £133.5million, with a renewed focus on recruiting players who have proven their worth in the Premier League. Among those United consider viable options, Watkins is one of the most established.

Since transferring from Brentford to Villa in a £33m deal five years ago, Watkins has netted 75 goals and provided 34 assists in 184 league matches. The England international was the target of a £60m offer from Arsenal in January, but Villa promptly dismissed it.

United were intensifying their pursuit of Watkins, whose contract extends until 2028. However, Amorim has now been told to back off.

The Telegraph reports that Villa have no intention of selling the 29-year-old and insist he is not available at any price. This isn't the first discussion United have had with the Villa Park hierarchy this summer.

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Earlier this month, the Red Devils made an unexpected loan proposal for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, which Villa immediately rejected. Unlike with Watkins, they're willing to let Martinez leave if a club meets their £40m valuation.

Rumours are swirling that United might propose a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho for Villa's Watkins. Garnacho finds himself on the fringes at Old Trafford, yet he's keen to stay in the Premier League, with Villa said to be one of the clubs interested in him.

However, Garnacho wouldn't directly replace Watkins, and Villa currently lacks a recognised backup striker. They sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in January for £65m, and Unai Emery has expressed his pleasure at retaining Watkins in Birmingham.

"He's amazing," Emery praised during a TNT Sports interview in March. "Because he's a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing. When he is scoring goals, it's the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he's contributing to help the team.

"But even when he's not doing both, he's working for the team. Defensively, the commitment was always high. He is in the press to the opponent. His commitment and behaviour is always a very good example for others. His power is his mind. His mentality is the best quality he has."