Report: Aston Villa set to make first bid for £25m-rated Ollie Watkins

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Aston Villa are set to step up their interest in Ollie Watkins by making their first bid for the Brentford star, according to a report from the Express and Star.

Watkins is a wanted man following another outstanding campaign in the Championship. He scored 26 goals as the Bees came agonisingly close to sealing promotion.

The Express and Star reports that Watkins is Dean Smith’s priority target up front. The Villa boss worked with the 24-year-old during his time at Griffin Park.

And the report has suggested that the Villans are now expected to make their first offer for Watkins, who is valued at £25 million by Brentford.

However, the Express and Star notes that the offer is likely to be some way short of the club’s asking price. So it would be little surprise if Villa are already expecting to have to make a second offer.

TBR View: Watkins bid an exciting step from Villa

Villa look to have a fantastic chance of winning the race to sign Watkins. Sky Sports has suggested that the forward is keen to work with Smith again amid interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.

And the Englishman can surely be confident that he can immediately become a key player at Villa Park. Neither Wesley or Mbwana Samatta shone during their first years with the club, so there is an opportunity for a new signing.

And while this opening bid is reportedly expected to be thrown out by Brentford, Villa fans will be hoping that a positive resolution may have moved one step closer.