Fulham are also interested in Watkins, but Villa are ready to offer him a big contract to lure him to Villa Park, claims the report in the British tabloid.
Villa manager Dean Smith worked with the attacker at Brentford and wants him at the Villans, and the Premier League club’s hierarchy are backing him in his quest, according to the report.
Meanwhile, an earlier report in The Telegraph suggested that Villa could agree a deal with Brentford over the transfer of the 24-year-old possibly this week.
Stats
Watkins, who can operate as a forward or as an attacking midfielder, is one of best players in the Championship and played an important role in Brentford reaching the playoff final in 2019-20.
According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old scored 26 goals and provided three assists in 49 Championship matches for the Bees last season.
During the 2018-19 campaign, the attacker scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 41 league games for Brentford, according to WhoScored.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
