Aston Villa transfer news: ‘Rumour has it’ Ollie Watkins ‘could be leaving’ – Phillips
Kevin Campbell has claimed the “elite experience” of Luis Suarez could “enhance” the game of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 26-year-old could go to the “next level” with the help of the veteran.
According to The Athletic journalist Gregg Evans (12 March), Villa boss Steven Gerrard will “monitor the situation” of former team-mate Suarez this summer as his time at Atletico Madrid comes to an end.
Watkins has netted seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances this term.
Football Insider has been told by a recruitment source (3 March) that Villa will listen to offers for the Englishman this summer Gerrard is not convinced he is the A-list striker he needs.
When asked if he thought Suarez could be a valuable mentor for Watkins, Campbell told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I do.
“That could be a really good, smart piece of business. Suarez is someone who can show people the way.
“It’s so important to have a point of reference with experience.
“Ollie Watkins is a good striker, he’s got Danny Ings alongside him – but having someone else with that elite level experience will be so valuable.
“It could really help and enhance Watkins’ game. Rumour has it that he could be leaving, but I think someone like Suarez coming in could push him to the next level that Gerrard wants from him.”
Suarez, 35, has netted 435 career goals – including 69 Premier League strikes for Liverpool.
His Atletico Madrid contract expires at the end of the season.
In other news, pundit expecting “surprise” Aston Villa development after what he’s seen.