Aston Villa fans react as club reportedly looking to trigger release clause

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in luring Brentford goal machine Ollie Watkins to Villa Park after the Bees failed to gain promotion from the Championship – and Villa supporters have reacted on Twitter.

Watkins, 23, failed to prevent Fulham from winning the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Tuesday night – as a brace from left-back Joe Bryan proved to be the difference. Henrik Dalsgaard scored a late effort for the Bees.

It takes the shine on what has otherwise been a near-perfect season for Watkins. The former Exeter City ace has scored a whopping 26 goals in 50 league and cup appearances, alongside Said Benrahma and Bryan Mbuemo.

(Photo by Stephanie Meek – CameraSport via Getty Images)

But with Brentford remaining in the Championship, an £18million exit clause in Watkins’ contract has remained. The Telegraph have claimed that Villa are ready to trigger the striker’s clause, but face competition.

Indeed, both Crystal Palace and Sheffield United are also keen on landing Watkins – who was signed by Villa boss Smith from Exeter in the summer of 2017. The chance of a reunion between the two could make Villa favourites.

Villa supporters responded on Twitter to reports that they could look to activate the clause and lure Watkins to Villa Park in the coming weeks – and many are delighted at the potential signing.

@mrbeef01 I’d rather Watkins than Benrahma 💪🏻💪🏻

— AVFC 🦁🦁 (@kingvillan88) August 5, 2020

For Everyone saying we shouldn’t sign Watkins, Tammy Scored the same amount in the 18/19 season, and he hasn’t had a bad season this year so I think £18 mill is a steal #AVFC

— Tom Chatterley 🦁 (@tom_chatterley) August 5, 2020

Two primary reasons Ollie Watkins makes sense for #AVFC:

1. He’s worth more than his release clause and represents good value at £18 million.

2. He’s played all three forward positions of a 4-3-3 at Brentford; one of Villa’s signings should have that flexibility.

— alex carson (@_alexcarson) August 5, 2020

Would love this signing. I don't think he would be the main striker, but that flexibility is hugely valuable. I would expect if this is our second striker/wide forward of the window, either Samatta or Davis would be moved on.

— Tyler Lusher (@OKC_UTV) August 5, 2020

All day long I'd take Watkins either as starter or as a backup for £18m barging in today's market #AVFC #UTV pic.twitter.com/QieOMofxWE

— leo hobley (@HobleyLeo) August 5, 2020

Got to go and get Ollie Watkins #avfc

— Reece 🦁 (@reeceavfc93) August 5, 2020

Fantastic start to our business if true! I don't think Dean would play him as an out and out centre forward, he'd be on the right side of a 3 and we'll still aim for a top quality striker. But Watkins is an intelligent player, and can still improve, great signing. 🤞 #avfc

— Chris C (@C_Lioneye) August 5, 2020