Ollie Watkins is still locked in contract renewal talks with Aston Villa after his sparkling 2022-23 campaign, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old’s current deal at Villa Park, which nets him a reported wage of £75,000-a-week, is set to expire in June 2025.
It is believed Aston Villa and Unai Emery are keen to add another striker to their squad this summer – but will be looking for a backup to Watkins, rather than a replacement.
Football Insider revealed in April that Watkins had opened talks with the club over a bumper new deal, with all parties happy with the direction of discussions.
The striker is likely to be offered well over £100,000-a-week as Villa bid to tie him down long-term.
Emery went public with his stance during Watkins’ purple patch in April, insisting the striker “deserves” fresh terms which would net him “more money”.
He notched 16 goals and six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign as Aston Villa secured Europa Conference League qualification.
Despite his glittering form, the former Brentford star was not restored to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers later this month.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (5 June) that talks are also ongoing between captain John McGinn and Aston Villa over a new contract at the club – with his current deal also set to expire in June 2025.
Emery and Villa are also set to kickstart their transfer business ahead of the transfer window – which begins on 14 June.
This site revealed on Monday (5 June) that the Midlands giants have made an official move to sign Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres.
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By: Pete O’Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Title: Sources: Big update on Watkins’ future at Aston Villa
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/sources-ollie-watkins-advances-in-aston-villa-talks/
Published Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000
