Darren Bent believes that Ollie Watkins should think twice before moving from Aston Villa this summer but has some advice for Ivan Toney.
After an outstanding individual season for Aston Villa, the midlands club will play in the UEFA Champions League next season and Ollie Watkins will more than likely lead the line for the Villains.
Despite this, there is interest from a host of other Premier League clubs. HITC reported that Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are the sides who are interested in the English forward.
However, a summer move from Villa Park certainly looks to be unlikely. Watkins scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in the Premier League alone.
For Ivan Toney, the Brentford forward looks set to leave the club this summer.
Bent on Watkins and Toney
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Villa striker Darren Bent believes that the English forward should stay where he is, for at least one more season.
As well as this, Bent has advised Brentford forward Ivan Toney that, if the offer presents itself, he has to make a move to one Premier League club in particular.
“If he (Ollie Watkins) was going from a middle of the road club that had finished top ten to go to Liverpool I’d go ‘Yes, jump at the chance’,” Bent said.
“It’s a different scenario, Ivan Toney. Liverpool come for Ivan Toney, I’d be screaming at the radio ‘You have to go.’ Brentford, didn’t really do that well this season, for Toney, I’d be like ‘Oh my goodness, this opportunity might never come again you have to go’.”
“Watkins is playing for a club that’s in the Champions League. Fantastic football club, massive fan base. I would hold off.”
Villa have achieved Champions League football for the first time in Premier League history and it would seem silly if the former Brentford forward decided the time was right to leave.
Watkins key for Villa
Emery has been a revolutionary force at Villa Park and the most important presence at the club but without Watkins, it could be argued the Midlands club would not be in the position they are in.
The Englishman has added so many strings to his bow over the past 18 months with his link-up play, in particular, excelling under the Spaniard’s tutelage.
Emery certainly has a history of getting the best out of the strikers he has had at his disposal, with Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno a good example, and Watkins is no different.
Remaining at Villa is the correct decision for Watkins. As for Toney, the English forward missed a large portion of the season due to an alleged breach of betting rules and a move away from Brentford may well be the answer.
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