Aston Villa Open Talks With Man United Over Joshua Zirkzee Aston Villa have reportedly opened discussions with Manchester United over a potential move for Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee as Unai Emery’s side prepare for the possibility of losing Ollie Watkins. Villa have made contact with United to explore the conditions of a deal for Zirkzee, although the Manchester club have not yet given the green light for the 25-year-old to leave. No transfer fee has been reported at this stage. The interest comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Watkins’ future. The England striker has attracted strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, and Emery has acknowledged that Watkins could leave if the right conditions are met. Nicolas Jackson remains Villa’s priority Despite the approach for Zirkzee, Nicolas Jackson remains Aston Villa’s preferred target to replace Watkins. Chelsea are reportedly valuing Jackson at around £65 million, with Villa expected to push harder for the Senegal international if Watkins completes a move to Saudi Arabia. Villa’s interest in Zirkzee could therefore represent an alternative option should a deal for Jackson prove difficult or too expensive. For Manchester United, the situation is also worth monitoring. Zirkzee’s future has already attracted interest from elsewhere this summer, while United must decide whether keeping the versatile forward provides greater value than allowing him to leave. With the transfer window approaching its final stages, Villa could soon be forced to make a decisive move for a new striker. Zirkzee or Jackson who should Aston Villa sign to replace Ollie Watkins?