Exclusive: Aston Villa explore Ollie Watkins sale after Liverpool reveal
Aston Villa are exploring the possibility of signing Marcus Rashford permanently and selling Ollie Watkins for £50-60million, sources have told Football Insider.
Sources say the Midlands giants see the potential to bank that figure for Watkins and activate their buy option for Rashford as “good business”.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (18 April) that Liverpool are closely monitoring Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa as they plot an alternative striker signing to Alexander Isak.
Meanwhile, Villa have the option to sign Rashford from Man United for £40million when his loan deal ends this summer.
Rashford replacing Watkins seen as ‘good business’ by Aston Villa
It is believed Unai Emery’s side will need to be creative yet again in the summer window to ensure they do not breach financial rules in the Premier League and Europe.
Watkins turns 30 in October and Aston Villa could cash in amid interest from the English champions-elect.
| Appearances | 217 |
| Minutes Played | 17259 |
| Goals | 86 |
| Assists | 41 |
| Yellow Cards | 21 |
The striker, who is under contract at the club until June 2028, has hit 16 goals and 13 assists in 48 games across all competitions this term.
Meanwhile, Rashford joined on loan in February after falling out with manager Ruben Amorim at boyhood club Man United.
He has notched three goals and six assists in 16 games for Villa.
Rogers not for sale at Aston Villa despite PSR concerns
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 9 April Aston Villa are confident of keeping Morgan Rogers this summer despite potential interest from Man City.
Man City have been linked with a shock move to bring the 22-year-old back to the Etihad Stadium this summer – with Villa still facing concerns about complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Sources say three-cap England international Rogers is happy at Villa Park after signing a contract running until June 2030 last year and the club will not be forced to consider bids.
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