Ollie Watkins Exclusive: Ex-Aston Villa scout shares major reveal 'I've heard'
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins is being closely monitored by top clubs across Europe, according to the club's former senior scout.
Mick Brown, who worked for the club until 2021 and has maintained close connections at Villa Park, exclusively told Football Insider that Watkins has improved his game considerably over the past year and may now be ready for a step up to a global giant.
Last season, the 28-year-old scored 27 goals and picked up 13 assists in 53 appearances as he helped fire Unai Emery's side into the Champions League.
His early-season form is showing no signs of slowing down either, having found the net four times while providing three assists in seven games so far.
However, he continues to prove that he can perform at the highest level and make a key difference in Emery's side, which has placed him firmly on the radar of top sides.
Brown says that Watkins' willingness to make runs in behind would represent a different option to the typical strikers many top clubs have on their books at the moment.
Top clubs eyeing swoop to sign Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins
After his impressive performances both for Aston Villa and for England, the Villa man has become one of the most highly-respected strikers in Europe.
Brown, who was instrumental in bringing Watkins to Villa Park in 2020, has insisted his style of play makes him suitable for any top clubs that may be looking to improve their squad up front.
"I've heard there are plenty of top clubs interested in him," he told Football Insider.
"He'd definitely be able to make the step up. When I was at Villa, I was always on to the management about getting Ollie Watkins from Brentford.
"At that time, he was one of the few players, and still is, that wants to run in behind.
"All the strikers want to come to feet now and lay it off to a midfielder and play from there. Sometimes you've got to play off the shoulder and run in behind.
"If you drew up that profile, he's your man. That's what he does. It's something different these days.
"The lad has improved his whole game since we signed him, and he scores goals.
"Plus, he runs in behind, which is not just about him, it's about the rest of the team. He gets the team up the park and inspires them.
"That type of player will always attract interest from top sides wherever they are. He's a game-changer, and he's shown that for Villa and for England."
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