Aston Villa: ‘Silly offer’ could lead to Ollie Watkins quitting Villa Park – BBC pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Ollie Watkins is only likely to quit Aston Villa if a “silly offer” comes in for him in the summer, according to Alan Hutton.
Watkins, 27, has been in sensational form for the Villans since the turn of the year, scoring six goals in his last seven Premier League appearances.
The seven-times England international has fired himself back into contention for Gareth Southgate’s upcoming Three Lions squad after missing out on a spot at the World Cup in Qatar last year.
One of the caveats of having a player in such good form is that other clubs eventually start to take notice – but Hutton doesn’t see Watkins leaving anytime soon unless a huge offer is made for him.
When asked by Villa News if top Premier League clubs will look at Watkins this summer, Hutton said: “Yes, possibly.
“I really like him as a player. He works ever so hard and that leads to goals and, of course, he scored again at the weekend.
“Everybody is looking for strikers, people who can put the ball in the back of the net. It’s very hard to do.
“There will be people about and that being said, I think they’re training in the right way, they’re trying to make something happen and they’re trying to go for those European places.
“I think Unai Emery will get funds to make that happen in the summer.
“For me, I’d want to be a part of that unless a silly offer came in that you’d have to listen to.
“But outwith that, he’s in a good place right now.”
Watkins’ nine Premier League goals this season sees him ranked joint-12th in the top goalscorers charts.
Harry Kane (20), Ivan Toney (15) and Marcus Rashford (14) are the only English strikers who’ve netted more than the ex-Brentford ace this term.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton has reacted to a controversial incident in the draw at West Ham.