Report: Ollie Watkins keen for Dean Smith reunion as Aston Villa plot bid

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Ollie Watkins is keen to be reunited with Dean Smith, with Sky Sports reporting that Aston Villa are planning to make a bid for the Brentford forward.

The Bees look set to face a battle to keep the 24-year-old this summer. He scored 26 goals for Thomas Frank’s men last season as they were agonisingly denied promotion to the Premier League.

Sky Sports reports that a host of Premier League sides are eyeing Watkins. They claim that Sheffield United and Crystal Palace are rivalling Villa for his signature.

Sky notes a potential boost for the Villans, with Brentford’s £25 million asking price set to deter the Blades. And it appears that that is not the only reason for encouragement for the Villa fans.

Sky Sports also suggests that Watkins is keen to work with Smith again, having played under him at Griffin Park.

TBR View: Big boost for Villa if they can win Watkins race

Villa certainly appear to need to strengthen their striker ranks this summer. Neither Wesley or Mbwana Samatta impressed during their first few months with the club.

It would be a gamble therefore, to not make any signings in that area of the field this summer.

Watkins looks to have the potential to be an outstanding striker signing. And as he can play out wide also, it would be a big boost for the club if they could win the race for his signature.