‘Aston Villa handed Ollie Watkins warning amid Man United development’
Aston Villa have been warned against selling Ollie Watkins amid interest in the England striker from Manchester United.
The 29-year-old enjoyed yet another strong Premier League season for Villa last term, notching 16 goals and eight assists in 38 top-flight appearances.
Watkins became the West Midlands club’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League when he bagged the winner in a 1-0 win at Bournemouth on 10 May.
But thanks to his successful exploits for Unai Emery’s men, he has now been eyed by Man United as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his forward options.
Aston Villa urged against selling Watkins without replacement
Aside from the reliable services of Watkins, Villa are short of attacking options after selling Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in the winter transfer window.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has returned to parent club Man United after performing well on loan with Emery’s side last term.
Speaking live on a talkSPORT [1 July], Ally McCoist asked: “How could they sell him? Who have they got?
“They got rid of Jhon Duran, didn’t they, so who are they going to play?
“I just don’t think they can sell him. From Manchester United’s point of view, all day. I get it.
“How can Villa get rid of him? They bring somebody else in, yes. But you cannot get rid of Ollie Watkins at this moment of time with no back up.”
Nicolas Jackson could be strong Watkins successor
Football Insider verdict
McCoist is right to outline that Emery should not part company with Watkins before first lining up a move for a capable replacement for the England international.
| Ollie Watkins stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 54 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 14 |
The former Brentford man has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League since joining Villa from the Bees back in 2020.
Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Aston Villa have made a preliminary move for Nicolas Jackson, who Chelsea could be willing to sell after signing Liam Delap earlier this summer.
Watkins would prove to be a tough man for Emery to replace, but Jackson’s Chelsea performances suggest that he can lead the line effectively in the Premier League.
The Senegal international managed a thoroughly decent return of 10 goals and five assists in 30 top-flight appearances last term, while he boasts more potential than Watkins at the age of 24.
Elsewhere, Emery has been tipped to sign Harvey Elliott in a Villa News exclusive.