Everton are reportedly ‘keen’ on signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, as per Football Insider.
After moving to Villa Park from Brentford back in 2020, the 30-year-old established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League. He enjoyed his best form over the last two seasons, recording 40 and 31 goal contributions respectively.
Following that, he attracted a lot of attention last summer, with Manchester United reportedly registering their interest before signing Benjamin Sesko.
However, Watkins has endured a difficult campaign this season, scoring only 10 goals and registering two assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Following his recent below-average performances, the centre-forward has lost his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England national team.
Now, Football Insider state that with Watkins showing signs of decline, Aston Villa are considering refreshing the centre-forward position this summer.
Although they wanted around £50m to sell him previously, they are now open to cashing-in on him for just around £30m, with his existing deal set to run until 2028.
Everton are ‘keen’ on reinforcing the frontline as Thierno Barry and Beto have failed to showcase their best consistently enough this season. They have identified Watkins as one of the ‘leading targets’ and could make a concrete approach to secure his service.
Watkins to Everton
Everton decided to reinforce the frontline by purchasing Barry from Villarreal last summer. However, the Frenchman has found it difficult to find his feet in the Premier League thus far, netting only six times in 34 appearances across all competitions.
On the other hand, Beto has made only eight goal contributions in 34 appearances in all competitions this season. However, he helped the Toffees beat Chelsea 3-0 by scoring a brace and providing the assist for the third goal just before the international break.
The 28-year-old is set to enter the final 12 months of his current contract this summer. So, Everton might opt to part ways with him to avoid losing him for free next year.
Watkins is an experienced player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Everton should they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Merseyside club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services.
