Aston Villa looking to seal deal for Ollie Watkins
Villa are poised to step up their pursuit of Ollie Watkins as preparations for the new Premier League season begin in earnest.
Dean Smith and his players are back at Bodymoor Heath ahead of a campaign now just three-and-a-half weeks away with transfers very much top of the agenda.
Brentford striker Watkins is Smith’s No.1 striker target and Villa are expected to lodge a formal bid, though it is likely to be some way short of the London club’s £25million valuation.
Watkins’ team-mate Said Benrahma is another player under consideration, while Villa continue to be linked on the continent with Werder Bremen attacker Milot Rashica.
Smith is also keen to add another midfielder, a right-back and potentially a centre-back during the current window.
Villa would ideally like to get most of their business done before the season begins on September 12 but with the window not closing until October 5 and the potential to negotiate transfers with EFL clubs until October 16, neither will they be rushed into making hasty decisions.
Players returned to Bodymoor yesterday for Covid-19 testing and were then expected to begin training today.
Villa shelved plans for an overseas pre-season tour at the outbreak of the pandemic and will remain in the UK, with a number of friendly matches having been arranged.
