Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Brentford striker Ollie Watkins according to the BBC’s Phil McNulty.
Villa are desperate to boost their attacking options ahead of the new season and Watkins has been their prime target.
Dean Smith wants to reunite with the striker having worked with him at Brentford.
According to McNulty, the deal would see Villa pay an initial £28 million rising to £33 million in add ons.
Aston Villa Closing In On Brentford Striker Ollie Watkins
The Deal For Watkins Would Be A Club Record Signing For Villa
The Brentford frontman has been top of Villa’s shopping list since the transfer window opened. The Championship player of the season had a terrific campaign, scoring 26 times as Brentford reached the play-offs.
Dean Smith unsurprisingly made Watkins his number one target having worked with him at Brentford. The striker has impressed and now will have the opportunity to step up into the Premier League.
Smith is hoping Watkins is the man to step and score the goals having seen his strikers last season notch just six Premier League goals between them. Wesley, Mbwana Samatta and Keinan Davis all endured tough first seasons in the Premier League.
Brentford have already prepared for Watkins’ departure with Ivan Toney arriving from Peterborough United. The Bees have been waiting for clubs to match their valuation and it appears Villa finally have their man.
Villa’s Transfer Business Beginning To Gather Pace
Its been a largely quiet transfer window so far for Aston Villa. However, clearly Dean Smith and new sporting director Johan Lange are beginning to set the wheels in motion to add to the Villa side.
Watkins could yet be joined by Bournemouth striker Josh King and Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez with bids put in for both players. With an extra week to prepare for their opening Premier League game, Villa have taken their time and it seems their transfer business is certainly stepping up.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
