Man Utd: Ollie Watkins to help Ten Hag sign major target

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:37 CDT
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich have given up on their pursuit of Harry Kane, and this could open the door for Manchester United to swoop in.

Harry Kane's potential move to Old Trafford has been one of the biggest transfer sagas in recent memory. While Tottenham don't want to lose their star man and record goalscorer, accordingly putting a price tag north of €100 million on his head, the turmoil the club finds itself in may force the 29-year-old to reconsider his future.

At the moment, the grass is much greener in Manchester than in North London, and indeed United have made no secret of their desire to bring in a 'proper number nine' in the summer. Incidentally, after a 2-2 draw with Spurs last week, Erik ten Hag went so far as to publicise his club's transfer plans.

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"Everyone knows," ten Hag said, "it’s not a secret - all season we have had a shortage of number nines...We have to cover many games. We need players who can strengthen the squad." That said, until recently, the Red Devils weren't the only ones interested in acquiring the sharpshooter's services.

Bayern Munich had also registered a long-standing interest in Kane, though recent developments suggest that they have shifted their focus to another Premier League star, which could in turn open the door for Manchester United to move for Kane.

Bayern after Watkins

According to The Sun, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has emerged as a credible transfer target for the Bavarians, who are said to be prepared to part with up to €68m to land one of England's most in-form strikers.

The news of Thomas Tuchel's side dropping out of the Kane race in order to pursue Watkins will have heartened the Manchester United hierarchy in their bid to land the Spurs man.

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United could have a free run at Kane, though Tottenham's price tag in combination with their preference of only selling him to foreign clubs will make a move tough to complete despite these recent positive developments.