Having secured top-flight football for another season, Aston Villa are reportedly looking to sign Brentford star Ollie Watkins.
The Birmingham Mail claim that Villa are set to make an £18 million offer, but it is understood that Watkins is valued closer to £25 million.
Further, Sky Sports claim that Watkins likes the idea of reuniting with Dean Smith at Villa Park, but it remains to be seen if the initial offer will get the job done.
Ollie Watkins and his impress numbers
Having started his senior career with Exeter City, Watkins announced himself to English football after moving to Brentford back in 2017. He was brought to Griffin Park by Dean Smith, the then Brentford manager and after his time with the Bees, it is no surprise that Smith wants to take him to Villa as well.
In his three seasons in the Championship, Watkins registered 46 goals and 13 assists in 135 appearances and was one of the first names on the team sheet for his side the last couple of seasons.
Last season, he started 49 league games, where his 26 goals and three assists were crucial for Brentford’s top-3 finish come the end of the league season.
Brentford may have missed out on promotion narrowly but Watkins, who was the top goal-scorer in the Championship last season, has the quality to play in the top-flight and could be tempted to move to Villa Park this summer.
A centre-forward by trait, the 24-year-old is lethal and can play across the front line. His passing and ability to create chances consistently in the final third makes him an asset for teams in the country.
What makes Watkins that much more impressive is his finishing. In the air or on the ground, Watkins hardly misses the target and is devastating when given space and time on the ball in and around the box.
He is also a decent dribbler but the 24-year old usually takes up dangerous positions in attack and is an all-round player, who can be a genuine match-winner on his day.
Is Watkins the right player for Aston Villa?
Jack Grealish, a playmaker, was the top goal-scorer for Villa last season. Wesley and Trezeguet did not score enough, leaving the manager a bit short of goals in the business end of the season.
Mbwana Samatta also managed just one goal in his 14 appearances for the club, so it is no surprise that Smith wants to shore up his attack with a signing like Watkins.
Watkins can play on either wing or even replace Wesley in attack in the first team. The Brentford man can lead the attack to good effect and with the likes of Grealish creating chances for him, he could be a real force to reckon with in the top flight next season.
Dean Smith has shown that his sides can test even the best teams in England and a player like Watkins will only make them stronger.
But do you think Aston Villa should sign a more high profile goal scorer this summer?
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