Sky Sports journalist shares whether Ollie Watkins could make January Aston Villa exit after what he’s done
We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
There is “absolutely no chance” that Ollie Watkins will leave Aston Villa in the January transfer window despite his fine form this season, according to Dan Bardell.
The England international has registered 14 goals and eight assists in 24 appearances to help Villa up to third in the Premier League table.
The 27-year-old forward has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Manchester United during this campaign despite signing a new five-year deal at Villa Park in September.
Bardell doesn’t envisage the club allowing any of their key players to leave in the January transfer window as they sit just one point behind the Gunners at the top of the table.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “He’s just signed a five-year contract, there’s absolutely no chance that Villa are going to lose Ollie Watkins to anyone.
“I’m genuinely not bothered or worried about anyone coming in and taking Villa’s players because I don’t think they can. I think it’s a great environment at Villa at the moment, with a brilliant manager, who has improved the players that are there.
“I think the players know that a big reason why they are where they are now in their footballing career is because of Unai Emery at Aston Villa. I wouldn’t envisage anyone leaving in January, especially Villa’s best players.
“I’m not worried about it in the slightest and, even in the summer, it’s not something that particularly concerns me because I just think there’s full buy-in from these players with Unai Emery.”
In other Aston Villa news, a journalist has blasted Garth Crooks for his Villa “fantasy” comments.