Newcastle ‘ready to seal Ollie Watkins transfer’ after new agreement
Ollie Watkins could leave Aston Villa this summer.
The forward has struggled to convince Unai Emery that he deserves a starting berth, with the Spaniard often choosing Jhon Duran or Marcus Rashford ahead of him.
Despite that fact, he still notched 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the Villans last season.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the 28-year-old, with the former having a £60million bid rejected in the winter transfer window.
However, there could be a new player in the race for his signature, Newcastle United.
Newcastle to make Watkins move after Elanga signing
Newcastle have been active in the market and look set to secure the signing of Anthony Elanga as they prepare to return to the Champions League.
A report from the print edition of the Daily Mail (back page/pg 64, 9 July) claims that Eddie Howe wants to follow the signing of the Nottingham Forest star with a new forward.
It states that Watkins is an option for the Magpies, who have also explored Yoane Wissa and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Watkins may fancy a move to Newcastle
A move to Tyneside may appeal to Watkins for various reasons.
Firstly, they are in Europe’s top competition, while Villa will play in the Europa League after failing to qualify via their league position.
Secondly, it could help him get back into the England squad for the upcoming World Cup, he was excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s first squad due to injury and may struggle to find his way back in.
Also, they can offer a huge wage packet that Monchi and Co probably couldn’t match, due to the financial constraints that are hampering the Villans right now.
The B6 outfit have to reduce the amount that they are spending on wages, rather than increase it by handing an ageing striker a new mega deal, especially when Emery does not even trust him to lead the line.
It remains to be seen whether Watkins ultimately makes the move to the St James’ Park outfit, but it would be an attractive proposition and the idea could have legs.
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