Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins tracked by Leeds United and Crystal Palace – report
Aston Villa have dismissed rumours that there is any tension between Ollie Watkins and Steven Gerrard, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
Watkins has been the subject of transfer interest with Jacobs reporting via his personal Twitter account on Sunday morning (14 August) that Leeds and Crystal Palace are “monitoring” the ex-Brentford striker.
However, Jacobs has now revealed that the Midlands club want the forward to stay and that Watkins will have force an exit if he is to leave the club.
Watkins on the move?
Watkins departing Villa Park would be a surprise as he has been Villa’s main centre-forward ever since he joined the club.
The versatile forward joined the Villans after coming through the football league and making name for himself at Brentford in the Championship.
The pacey 26-year-old scored 49 goals in 143 games for the Bees and moved to Villa Park in 2020 for a reported fee of £28m. [BBC Sport]
Since moving to Aston Villa he has scored 27 goals in 78 games and become an England international, earning seven caps and scoring two goals.
However, his form has slowed down as of late and he now justles for the starting position with fellow English striker Danny Ings.
The 26-year-old is still an important member of the Villa team and the club should do their best to keep hold of him.
In other Aston Villa news, Keinan Davis’ loan spell to Watford could make or break his career.