Aston Villa fans will be buzzing after hearing who Newcastle United want to sign
Aston Villa are hoping to avoid any key departures in the closing weeks of the transfer window.
The Villans have fought off interest in several players this summer, including Emi Martinez and John McGinn.
They have also made efforts to agree new contracts with several stars, with their attempts ultimately proving successful in the case of Boubacar Kamara and Lucas Digne.
And Villa confirmed the arrival of their first major signing of the summer on Friday (8 August), with Evann Guessand signing a five-year deal at Villa Park.
Newcastle register interest in Aghehowa
Interest in Ollie Watkins has been well-reported this summer, with both Manchester United and Newcastle United weighing up moves for the striker.
The England international was also the subject of interest from Arsenal in the January window, but Villa ultimately decided against selling the forward.
And that stance looks to have been reinstated as the summer window has progressed, with Unai Emery eager to start the season in the right way.
Villa had shown interest in a potential move for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa in the case of Watkins’ departure, but Newcastle United appear to have switched their own attentions to the 21-year-old.
According to David Ornstein (8 August), the striker is among a short list of options being considered by the Magpies in the coming weeks.
Decision-makers have already faced failed approaches on several fronts this summer, with Benjamin Sesko the latest forward to decide on a move elsewhere.
Watkins and Aghehowa compared
Aghehowa enjoyed a strong first season in the top division of Portugal, scoring 19 goals and providing three assists.
While the striker is at the beginning of his career, there is some comparisons that can already be drawn to Watkins.
Both players offer similar per 90 stats in their shooting, with Aghehowa getting slightly more shots away in his time on the pitch.
| Stat (per 90) | Samu Aghehowa 2024/25 | Ollie Watkins 2024/25 |
| Progressive carries | 0.91 | 1.8 |
| Shots | 3.1 | 2.71 |
| Aerials won | 1.95 | 1.75 |
| Passes completed | 11.18 | 11.04 |
But Watkins thrives far more in possession, registering 2.19 shot-creating actions compared to the Spaniard’s 1.75, and attempting more passes.
Where Aghehowa outperforms Watkins, is in the air. The 21-year-old wins 52.1 per cent of his aerials, compared to the Villa man’s 43.2.
The Villans will not be signing the young forward this summer, but it is clear that whoever does will be acquiring a strong talent.
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