Sources: Everton make move to sign Ollie Watkins after Aston Villa source’s reveal
Everton have registered their interest in signing Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants are open to letting Watkins go as they work on a deal to recruit an A-list front man in the final weeks of the summer window.
Everton are in the market for a centre-forward and could have a significant budget if they cave in and accept Chelsea’s latest Anthony Gordon offer.
Villa are willing to let Watkins go before the 1 September cut-off.
It is believed manager Steven Gerrard has a tense relationship with Watkins and one well-placed source told us the pair “do not see eye to eye”.
England Under-21 international striker Cameron Archer is also expected to enjoy an increased role at Villa Park after his successful loan at Preston last term.
Everton are desperate to sign striking reinforcements as they search for a stand-in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin – who suffered a knee injury earlier this month.
The Toffees also sold Richarlison to Tottenham in a reported £60million deal this summer, leaving Salomon Rondon as their only fit senior striking option.
Gordon, who has scored just four senior goals, has been used in a centre-forward role in Everton’s opening two games of the Premier League season.
The Merseysiders have been linked with moves for Premier League duo Neal Maupay and Che Adams in recent weeks – with both players expected to cost around £15million.
Everton face newly promoted Nottingham Forest on Saturday (20 August) as they search for their first win of the season.
Frank Lampard’s side have suffered defeats against Aston Villa and Chelsea thus far.
In other news, pundit “baffled” as source reveals new twist in Chelsea hunt for Gordon.