(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Sun 5 April 2026 7:30, UK

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Ollie Watkins is growing increasingly likely to leave Aston Villa in the summer transfer window as Unai Emery’s side are now prepared to move him on.

The 30-year-old has endured a difficult season so far at Villa Park and there is a belief behind the scenes that an upgrade could be signed at the end of the season.

As a result, Villa are planning to accept new offers for the England international with the hope of raising funds which will be reinvested into the squad.

Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that while Watkins could still be a key player for Villa, they are keen to strengthen up front this summer.

Plans to bring in a new striker, with the likes of Nicolas Jackson on their radar, could force Watkins out ahead of a busy transfer window for Aston Villa.

Why would Aston Villa accept offers for Ollie Watkins?

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Aston Villa are open to selling Watkins as a result of their recent financial struggles and inability to spend in the mareket.

The club’s financial position could force them to cash in on players before they bring in new additions, with a number of replacements already on their radar.

Premier League clubs are believed to be on alert over his potential availability, and should a significant offer emerge in the summer, Villa will consdier it.

“I still think Ollie Watkins is a great option for Aston Villa,” Brown told Football Insider.

“But it seems they might be looking to sell him at the end of the season because of their financial issues.

“They haven’t been able to spend big in recent transfer windows because of the financial rules, so they’re going to have to sell players before they buy.

“There are a few players at Villa who could be sold, but in terms of big names who they can make money from, Watkins of course would be an option.

“He’s been linked with moves away for a couple of years and Villa have been looking at new strikers who they could sign, but he would have to move on first.

“If a club came in with a big offer for Watkins, and it’s a move that he would be interested in, I expect Aston Villa will let him go and use that money elsewhere.”

Which clubs could make a move for Watkins?

A number of Premier League clubs are expected to be put on alert by the England international’s availability, with new strikers needed across the division.

Brown told Football Insider on 30 March that Everton are plotting a move for Watkins as David Moyes looks to add more quality to his front line.

Concerns about Beto and Thierno Barry’s goalscoring exploits have lingered and the Toffees believe the Aston Villa star would be a considerable upgrade.

Sources say a transfer fee of around £30million could be enough to prise him away, and Everton would be among the clubs able to afford the move.

If Villa do opt to cash in on their striker, Everton are unlikely to be the only club on alert, but their interest is strong and they could make a move.