Agbonlahor claims Ollie Watkins could quit Aston Villa as talks confirmed
Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Aston Villa to tie red-hot striker Ollie Watkins down to a new “long-term” contract at the club.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested top Premier League sides could pull the trigger on a summer move for the 27-year-old after his recent goalscoring form.
According to the Daily Mail (7 April), Aston Villa are in talks with Watkins about a new contract at the club following his dazzling recent run of form.
As quoted by the Express & Star (7 April), manager Unai Emery insisted the striker “deserves” fresh terms which would net him “more money” – and also revealed Villa will add to their striking options this summer.
Watkins has scored nine goals in his last 11 Premier League games – spearheading the charge up into sixth in the table and well into the fight for European qualification.
The England international earns £75,000-a-week on his current deal – which is set to expire in June 2025.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s definitely deserved.
“Other Premier League clubs will be taking a real look at him now. They’d take him after this season.
“He’s clinical, he’s getting better and better.
“Every time you see Villa play, he’s scoring – and the more experience he’s getting in the Premier League, the better he gets.
“He’s already an England international, he’s scored for his country. He’s one of the biggest assets at Aston Villa.
“I would tie him down to a long-term contract.”
In other news, Aston Villa turn attention to signing Man City star.