Barnsley attacker Marley Watkins has been linked with a host of clubs, including Aston Villa.
Barnsley’s Marley Watkins celebrates scoring
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are one of five teams interested in signing Barnsley attacker Marley Watkins this summer.
Watkins, 26, joined Barnsley from Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2015, and after hitting eight goals in all competitions last season, he has excelled in the Championship.
The Welshman has hit ten goals and seven assists this term, starring in a Barnsley side that has surpassed expectations in the second tier this term.
The problem for Barnsley is that Watkins has so far refused to sign a new contract, and with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, he could walk away for free.
Marley Watkins of Barnsley
The Daily Mail now claim that Aston Villa, Bristol City, Cardiff City, Ipswich Town and Leeds United are all keen to land Watkins on a free transfer – but Villa will be hoping that two players they signed in January can help them win the race.
Villa raided Barnsley twice to snap up right back James Bree and midfielder Conor Hourihane, two players who featured prominently alongside Watkins in Paul Heckingbottom’s Tykes side in the first half of this season.
Aston Villa’s Aly Cissokho (L) in action with Barnsley’s Marley Watkins
Reuniting with two former team-mates who are bound to be key players under Steve Bruce for the foreseeable future should be appealing to Watkins, and the duo could put in a convincing pitch on Villa’s behalf.
Add in that Villa have been lacking quality out wide this season and it’s clear that Watkins could be a key addition for Bruce this summer, especially on a free transfer – and he should be hoping that the presence of two former Barnsley stars can help them win the race for his signature.
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