Connor Humm

Sat 8 June 2024 11:00, UK

Ollie Watkins wants to stay at Aston Villa to test himself in the Champions League despite interest from Liverpool.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Villa full-back Alan Hutton explained that, while nothing can be ruled out, it would take a “crazy” offer to tempt Unai Emery into letting his star man leave.

Villa are planning to keep Watkins, 28, at the club this summer to build the squad around him ahead of their Champions League campaign.

The England international helped fire Villa to a fourth-placed Premier League finish, scoring 27 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions, and has now been tipped to stay.

Aston Villa plan to keep Ollie Watkins amid “crazy” demand

Football Insider reported that it would take a “massive” offer for Villa to sell amid interest from Manchester United, with Liverpool the next team tipped to be dismissed.

Hutton refused to rule out an exit and insisted Watkins would not burn any bridges, but revealed he expects the striker to be in a Villa kit next season.

“Anything is possible,” he told Football Insider.

“It’s been another top season for him, he’s been absolutely outstanding for Aston Villa and one of the main reasons why they’re playing in the Champions League.

“I understand the draw with Liverpool and everything that would contain moving forward.

“You have to assess all your options as a player, you’re never going to burn any bridges.

“What Monchi and Emery are doing, moving this club forward, they want to go again. Watkins is in his prime and they’ll build this team around him.

“He wants to test himself in the Champions League with Villa.

“Unless a transfer bid comes in that’s absolutely crazy, I can only see Ollie Watkins in an Aston Villa shirt next season.”

In other news, Villa could be set to accept an offer for Douglas Luiz.

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