Manchester United's management has taken an official step towards signing English striker Ollie Watkins, a player for Aston Villa, during the current summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs.

Jacobs confirmed that Manchester United has held new negotiations with Aston Villa to discuss the possibility of acquiring the player; however, Villa's financial demands, estimated at around £60 million, are considered high from the perspective of the Red Devils' management.

He pointed out that Manchester United may submit an official offer if Aston Villa decides to lower its demands, while also clarifying that Villa will not agree to Watkins' departure before securing a suitable replacement, with Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson being one of the prominent names suggested to replace him.

It is worth noting that Ollie Watkins joined Aston Villa in the summer of 2020 from Brentford for €34 million, and his current contract extends until the summer of 2028.