Aston Villa are ready to pounce for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins, who will demand a record Championship fee, according to a report.
The Telegraph have squashed claims that Watkins has an £18 million release clause in his contract and instead stated that the Bees will want around £25 million for his services.
James Maddison’s £21 million move from Norwich to Leicester in 2017 stands as the record-fee paid for a player in the second-tier, and that may well be surpassed during this current window.
Dean Smith may hold the trump card on the host of teams chasing the versatile attacker’s signature because he bought and managed Watkins at Griffin Park.
Whilst it doesn’t guarantee that the 24-year-old will be playing in Claret & Blue next season, it does offer their fans some hope that the Brentford man may well be their player.
Thomas Frank’s men failed to pick up a single point during the last two games of the Championship season, which would have guaranteed them a Premier League spot.
They would then go on to lose to Fulham in extra-time in the Championship play-off final, with the likes of Watkins failing to get on the scoresheet against Scott Parker’s men.
Just like Tammy Abraham did for Villa last season, Watkins hit 26 goals for the London club, but unlike Smith’s side, they were unable to make that almighty jump to the promised land.
It now seems the race for Watkins signature is well and truly hotting up and it remains to be seen who is willing to put their money on the table for his talents.
Villa need a player of his services because of his ability to play out wide and up top. Plus, he can hold up the ball and has great movement inside the penalty area.
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