Ollie Watkins could have head turned at Aston Villa as ‘unbelievable’ Bayern Munich transfer news emerges
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 will struggle to say no to Bayern Munich if they make a move for the Aston Villa striker in the summer, according to Alan Hutton.
The Mirror reported on Saturday night (29 April) that Bayern have scouted Watkins, 27, as part of their search for a new centre-forward this summer.
It is understood that the England international’s brilliant form for Villa hasn’t gone unnoticed in Germany with Bayern stationing a scout at Villa’s 1-0 win over Fulham last week (25 April).
Watkins has scored 14 goals in 33 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa this season and although Hutton wants the ex-Brentford striker to stay at B6, he can understand why he’d be tempted to make the switch to Bavaria.
“I think his ears would have perked up when he heard that, definitely,” Hutton told Villa News.
“We’re talking about one of the most iconic football teams out there and I would think they’re definitely looking for a striker.
“Robert Lewandowski left so they don’t really have that central, number-nine figure that you’d expect Bayern Munich to have.
“It would be an unbelievable move – let’s not kid ourselves.
“Obviously, from me with my Villa hat on, I want him to stay because I think they’re going places and they’re really going to kick on in the summer.
“It’ll be difficult to see him leave. But if Bayern Munich are coming in for you, it’s going to be very difficult to not listen to this.”
Fabrizio Romano reported on 2 May that Bayern are not actively working on a deal to sign Watkins because they have other options on their list of striker targets.
It is understood that instead, Villa plan to offer the Englishman a new long-term contract and a pay rise.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans have been backed to complete one major deal in the summer after an update from Fabrizio Romano.