Report: Aston Villa can meet Ollie Watkins asking price on one condition

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Aston Villa are able to meet Ollie Watkins’s £25 million asking price, as long as they are willing to cut down their budget when it comes to strengthening other areas of the squad, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Unsurprisingly, Watkins is reportedly attracting the attention of a host of Premier League clubs this summer. He was outstanding in the Championship last season.

Sky Sports reports that the Villans want the 24-year-old, as do Fulham and Sheffield United. It is suggested however, that funding a move may prove a problem for top flight clubs with the Bees holding out for £25 million.

Sky Sports notes that Villa have been left frustrated in their quest to land Watkins as they are wary of getting involved in a bidding war.

Interestingly, the report adds that Dean Smith’s side are able to meet Brentford’s demands. But paying £25 million would force the club to cut back in other areas as they look to strengthen their squad.

TBR View: Watkins worth a gamble for Villa

If Watkins can replicate anything like his Championship form in the top flight, he would be well worth a £25 million outlay.

Villa would have been aware that he would cost a significant sum when they first registered an interest.

The asking price may still seem a little steep if the focus is on his lack of Premier League experience. But he is a player who offers versatility and is young enough to improve further.

And there will surely be plenty of Villa fans imploring the club to make sure that they do what it takes to land the forward before he goes elsewhere.