‘Ollie Watkins to replace Alexander Isak at Newcastle’ in ‘perfect’ Aston Villa exit
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been tipped as the “perfect” replacement for Alexander Isak at Newcastle ahead of the transfer window this summer.
The England international’s future at Villa Park has been called into question after being benched by Unai Emery for a series of high-profile fixtures.
Marcus Rashford was preferred over Watkins for both legs of Villa’s Champions League tie against PSG, and again when the Villains took on Man City in the Premier League on 22 April.
The former Brentford striker was given the opportunity to make amends in the Midlands side’s FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on Saturday (26 April).
However, Watkins performed poorly in the 3-0 loss to the Eagles and with his time at Villa Park seemingly coming to an end, former Villain Tony Cascarino pointed out the ideal landing spot for the England international in his column for The Times.
Newcastle could look to replace Alexander Isak with Ollie Watkins
Isak has interest from recently crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, and following a stunning season, the Swedish striker is now one of Europe’s most coveted players.
The Magpies are desperately keen to retain the former Borussia Dortmund striker but the allure of a huge transfer fee may be too hard to turn down.
Cascarino revealed he believes now might be the “perfect time” for Watkins to leave Villa, and that Newcastle may be where he lands (26 April): “It could be the perfect time for a player like Watkins to make a move.
“Strikers are in demand across the Premier League and, although out of favour, he has still managed 15 goals this season.
“That is more than the top scorers at Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, while Newcastle United could use a striker if Alexander Isak leaves in the summer.”
Champions League football vital for Newcastle with stars linked away
Football Insider Verdict
With Europe’s elite lining up to pick the Magpies to pieces, qualifying for the Champions League is vital for Eddie Howe’s side.
Isak is wanted by several of the continents biggest teams, whilst Arsenal are interested in the talismanic Bruno Guimaraes.
Should Howe and Newcastle want to keep their ambitious and talented players, they must be able to offer them the chance to compete in Europe’s premier competition.
| Remaining Newcastle opponents | Current league position | Previous result |
| Brighton (A) | 9th | 2-1 Loss (FA Cup) |
| Chelsea (H) | 5th | 2-0 Win (EFL Cup) |
| Arsenal (A) | 2nd | 2-0 Win (EFL Cup) |
| Everton (H) | 15th | 0-0 Draw |
The Magpies are in a good place to do so, sitting third in the Premier League, but they face stiff competition from Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Villa, and Man City.
With just four games remaining, Newcastle will likely need at least three wins to guarantee a place in the Champions league.
However, accomplishing that feat will not be easy, as their opponents in the run-in are Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Everton.