According to BBC Sport, Aston Villa are closing in on Brentford striker Ollie Watkins after agreeing a club-record deal.
It’s claimed that Villa have agreed to pay £28million for Watkins, which could rise to £33million with add-ons.
Villa did want to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, but he picked a £20million move to Newcastle United instead.
Dean Smith and co have now moved quickly to get their new striker in, with a deal now agreed for Watkins to reunite with the Villa boss.
The pair worked together at Brentford, and Watkins now earns his big Premier League move under the man who took him to Griffin Park.
The 24-year-old hit 26 goals and three assists in 49 outings last season, thriving as Neal Maupay’s replacement at Brentford having mostly played as a winger before then.
Watkins will now be charged with the task of bringing goals to this Aston Villa side, after Wesley and Mbwana Samatta failed to shine last season.
The news also means that Tottenham have missed out on Watkins; The Express and Star reported on Monday that Spurs had complicated Villa’s pursuit by targeting Watkins.
Spurs are in no place to really pay £28million rising to £33million for Watkins, and there is very little chance of a late hijack bid from Jose Mourinho’s side.
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