‘Ollie Watkins has opened door to joining new club – ‘I’m told Newcastle’
Newcastle United have added Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to their list of transfer targets in the final month of the transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Villa scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 29-year-old is among a number of options who could replace Alexander Isak.
Isak has made his desire to join Liverpool clear and was left out of the squad for the pre-season tour of Asia, forcing Eddie Howe’s side into the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 July that Aston Villa are open to offers for Watkins and have been surprised by the lack of interest this summer.
Tottenham and Man United have also been keeping tabs on the England international’s situation at Villa Park, but have not made concerted moves.
Other names on Newcastle’s list of targets include Yoane Wissa, Benjamin Sesko and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as they scramble to locate an adequate Isak replacement.
Newcastle plot Ollie Watkins swoop after Aston Villa reveal
Brown told Football Insider in May that Villa are open to offers for Watkins this summer as they aim to raise funds after missing out on Champions League qualification.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and played a key role in bringing Watkins to Villa Park in 2020, insisted that he is “certainly” on Newcastle’s list and would be a good option for them.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Ollie Watkins at Villa,” he told Football Insider.
“They had Arsenal come in for him in January, and they were still interested before they went and signed Gyokeres, so that one is dead now.
“Man United have been looking at him as well, and now Newcastle are interested.
“I’m told it’s something Villa are going to be open to, and I think Watkins is open to leaving too.
“If clubs come in for him, he’s going to want to explore his options.
“Newcastle are preparing to lose Isak, so they’ve been looking at a lot of different players who could potentially come in and plug the gap he’s going to leave.
“Watkins is certainly on that list because he’s a top player and would be great for Newcastle.
“I was really pushing for Villa to sign him when I was there because he was the best option available to us, and eventually they went and got it done.
“Now he’s got Premier League and international experience, which make him ideal for Newcastle.
“It’s difficult to say what they’re going to do because they’ve missed out on so many players, but he is certainly one of the ones they’ve looked at.”
Yoane Wissa update emerges as Brentford agreement targeted
Alongside their pursuit of Watkins, the Magpies are also interested in signing Brentford star Wissa in the coming weeks, with the striker on their list of targets.
Brown told Football Insider on 28 July that Newcastle are pushing to sign Wissa and are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Brentford over his asking price.
The 28-year-old is refusing to train with Brentford in an attempt to force the move through, putting pressure on the Bees to reduce their demands.
However, Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Brentford would not sell both Mbeumo and Wissa after reaching an agreement for the former’s departure.
For more Newcastle United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.