'Crazy' Ollie Watkins bid needed for Liverpool transfer as Aston Villa exit mooted

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins will "look at" a move to Liverpool during the summer transfer window at Villa Park, according to Alan Hutton.

The England international has enjoyed an excellent season under Unai Emery to not only help the Villans qualify for next season's Champions League but also book his place in the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.

Watkins' good form hasn't gone unnoticed, however, with reports suggesting that the 28-year-old has caught the eye of incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot who could look to replace Darwin Nunez this summer [The Sun, 29 May].

Although Hutton believes the forward would have to assess his options if an offer was made, he insists that Watkins will still be a Villa player by the time next season rolls around.

"Anything is possible," Hutton exclusively told Villa News.

"Again it was another top season from him, he's an absolutely outstanding player for Aston Villa and one of the main reasons that they are when they are at this moment in time playing in the Champions League.

"I understand that draw with Liverpool and everything that would contain moving forward. I think under a new regime, it may be something that you look at and you have to assess your options as a player.

"You're never going to burn any bridges so I totally get it from that side, but with what Monchi and the manager are doing to move this club forward, they are a huge club in their own right and they'll want to just go again.

"Ollie Watkins is probably in his prime and they're looking to build that team around him and make a real push for this Champions League.

"We've seen the difference in quality between the Conference League and the Champions League so all those players will know that they need to step up to the mark.

"I think he'll want to go and test himself with Villa, so unless something that comes in that is absolutely crazy, I see Ollie Watkins in an Aston Villa shirt next season."

Will Aston Villa sell Ollie Watkins in the summer transfer window amid Liverpool interest?

Villa were always going to face a battle to keep their best players at the club this summer, particularly the likes of Watkins and Douglas Luiz because they have been so impressive week in and week out in the Premier League and Europe.

But with Emery committing his future to the Villa Park project and plans already being put in place for the summer transfer window, there may be enough to convince those stars that his a project worth sticking with for the long run.

Ultimately, if a big money offer does arrive the Villans may not be able to turn it away, especially with the current PSR concerns. No matter what, Watkins' future will be the subject of discussion until the end of the transfer window.

In other Aston Villa news, Ross Barkley's stance on a summer move to Villa Park has emerged as personal terms have been mooted

For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.