(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 21 April 2026 11:45, UK

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Ollie Watkins is among a number of players at Aston Villa who could be sold this summer amid ongoing concerns about their ability to spend freely.

Financial concerns at Villa Park mean they may be forced to sell players before they can spent, with the 30-year-old seen as a potentially sellable asset.

The England international has endured a difficult season so far, leading to suggestions he could be replaced, with Villa assessing their options in the market.

However, former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Unai Emery could step in to prevent Watkins from leaving this summer.

Emery is believed to be a big fan of the striker and, after his recent turn of form, believes he still has a role to play despite Villa putting transfer plans in place.

What is Aston Villa’s stance on selling Ollie Watkins?

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Aston Villa will demand £30million for Watkins as they prepare to refresh their front line this summer.

Potential replacements have already been considered behind the scene in case the England star moves on, but his exit is no longer seen as a certainty.

While Villa understand they will need to sell players this summer, Watkins has proven he can still play a big role, and Emery would be reluctant to see him go.

“Ollie Watkins is always going to be this type of player,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Every time he has a bad patch in front of goal, people start questioning whether Villa could let him go and who they could get to come in and replace him.

“But then, just like he is at the moment, he’ll have a spell where he can’t stop scoring and you see why he has been so important to them.

“Emery knows that, he knows what Watkins can do and how big an impact he can have when he’s at it, and that’s why he’s been prepared to stick by him.

“I can’t imagine he’ll be particularly keen to see him moved on, because from what I hear, he still sees him as a big part of what they’re doing at Aston Villa.

“It’s difficult for them at the moment, they have concerns with their financial issues. Will they have to sell players? Which players could they be? These questions need to be answered.

“But as far as Watkins’ future goes, the manager is going to be very reluctant to see him leave and I expect he’ll make plans to keep hold of him.”

Which clubs are looking to sign Watkins this summer?

Aston Villa are continuing to weigh up the striker’s position at Villa Park with his future still up in the air, and a number of clubs are keeping an eye on his situation.

Last summer, Watkins was heavily linked with moves to Man United, Arsenal and Newcastle, and while nothing materialised, there is still high-profile interest.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Everton are keeping tabs on Watkins and have emerged as outsiders for his signature ahead of the summer window.

Concerns about Beto and Thierno Barry’s goalscoring exploits have lingered at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and David Moyes is keen to improve on his current options.

The Toffees are currently in a strong position to compete for European qualification next season, and that could hand them a boost in the race for Watkins.