Aston Villa are set to push for Callum Wilson’s signature after struggling to strike a deal for Brentford hitman Ollie Watkins, according to a report.
The Daily Mail have claimed that, along with Newcastle, Wilson has been on Villa’s shortlist this summer and they will now step up interest for his services.
Both Dean Smith and Steve Bruce need firepower up front this summer after their teams endured their problems in the final third during the recently concluded campaign.
It seems as though Villa are keen on Watkins, but Brentford want £25 million for his talents – £8 million less than what the Midlands side are willing to pay – and, as a result, they are now trying to get Wilson through the doors of Bodymoor Heath.
Given the clamour of teams seemingly pushing for the same group of players, that does increase the price of those individuals, which doesn’t help the buying club.
It would be a surprise if Wilson or Watkins are playing Championship football by the time the window slams shut in October.
Bournemouth were relegated to the second-tier, whilst the Bees missed out on a place in England’s top-flight after losing the play-off final to Fulham.
In regards to Watkins, you would think that Smith holds the trump card because he has worked with him before. But with Wilson, it’s’ more of a free hit and he could prove to be more difficult to get over the line.
Even though he will have ambitions of getting back into the England squad, unlike Brentford, the Cherries have more financial power because they only just drop down a division.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
