Exclusive: Aston Villa tell rivals they will sell star man as Calvert-Lewin decision made
Ollie Watkins’ future at Aston Villa remains up in the air heading into the final month of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Aston Villa have privately let it be known that Watkins, 29, would be sold at the right price, but have been surprised by the lack of interest from Premier League rivals.
Villa expected clubs would submit big offers for the England star this summer after turning down a £60million bid from Arsenal late in the January transfer window.
Tottenham and Man United have been keeping tabs on the England international’s situation at Villa Park, but have not made concerted moves.
It comes as Unai Emery’s side prepare to step up their interest in signing former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is available on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old is in talks with Villa as well as rival Premier League clubs, and is seen as an option to provide cover whether Watkins leaves or stays.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has also been identified as a replacement, with Football Insider revealing Emery is pushing for Villa to sign Jackson after preliminary talks.
Man United to step up Ollie Watkins interest after Aston Villa reveal
Football Insider revealed earlier this summer that Aston Villa are willing to sell Watkins and hoped to do so before the 30 June financial deadline to raise funds.
Despite the deadline having passed, Villa’s private stance has not changed, and they are prepared to let the striker leave to facilitate potential incoming deals.
The England striker has emerged on Man United’s radar after they missed out on other targets including Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres, and they could now step up their interest.
This comes after Football Insider revealed United could move to sign Watkins if they are able to cash in on Rasmus Hojlund before the transfer window closes.
Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, has also been linked with moves to Man United and Newcastle, but Villa have identified him as a key target given his availability on a free.
Chelsea make ambitious move to sign Morgan Rogers
Watkins is not the only Villa star being linked with a move away this summer, as interest in Morgan Rogers remains high at this stage of the window.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 July that Chelsea have offered players plus cash to Villa for Rogers and are ramping up their interest in the midfielder.
Jackson and Tosin Adarabioyo are believed to have been offered, while Villa value their star man at £100million and are very reluctant to let him go.
Football Insider revealed on 8 July that Villa are “desperate” to keep Rogers despite the potential financial benefits of his sale in their current situation.
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