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Manchester United could land another blow to Champions League rivals Aston Villa this summer by making a move for striker Ollie Watkins.

The Europa League champions have already rejected an approach from Turkish club Fenerbahce. The Turkish outfit were said to be preparing a £35million offer for the England international, but Villa made it clear they would not entertain the bid.

According to The Sun, several clubs across England and Europe are keen on securing Watkins' signature this summer.

Fenerbahce had hoped to tempt the 30-year-old with a three-year contract worth between £7.5million and £8.5million annually.

While Villa firmly communicated their position to the Turkish side, both United and Arsenal reportedly remain interested in bringing Watkins in to bolster their attacking options, with £40million potentially enough to bring Villa to the negotiating table.

United's Joshua Zirkzee is being linked with a return to Italy, with Juventus pursuing the former Bologna forward, who excelled in Serie A prior to his switch to Old Trafford.

Earlier this week, reports suggested the Dutch international had given Juventus the green light ahead of potential transfer discussions with United, though no formal negotiations between the clubs have taken place yet.

AS Roma are also reportedly interested in acquiring Zirkzee this summer, and should United part ways with the 25-year-old, The Sun suggests Michael Carrick's team would be expected to launch an official approach for Watkins.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are anticipated to offload Gabriel Jesus this summer, with the Brazilian attracting attention from Serie A outfit AC Milan, and the Gunners reportedly see Watkins as the perfect replacement.

Villa find themselves in a challenging financial position this summer, aware they must sell players to meet UEFA regulations.

United capitalised on a £35m release clause in Youri Tielemans' Villa contract to secure the Belgian international, while PSG are in discussions to bring Lucas Digne back to the club.

Villa are expected to generate around £45m from those two deals, but have brought in Swiss talent Johan Manzambi for a comparable sum.

They've also approved the departure of Morgan Rogers in a club-record sale worth £117m, with Chelsea securing his signature ahead of Arsenal.