Aston Villa have now lodged a late proposal for an “unbelievable” star, who has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona.
Ollie Watkins leads Aston Villa back to the Champions League
Villa secured a return to the Champions League with a 4-2 victory against Liverpool in their last Premier League match, which ensured they cannot finish below fifth, and Ollie Watkins played a major role in the triumph.
The 20-cap England international bagged two goals and an assist in the win, with Jamie Redknapp praising the striker for the problems he was able to cause Virgil van Dijk.
Redknapp said: “He is Liverpool’s nemesis – they just can’t handle him. Nobody gives Virgil van Dijk more difficulties than Ollie Watkins. He’s an absolute menace to Liverpool.”
Watkins is Villa’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, getting on the scoresheet on 14 occasions, but Unai Emery’s side are now targeting a forward capable of providing support.
Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu is one of the options on the shortlist, with Everton also in the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, but a winger with far more experience at Premier League level has also emerged as a major target.
Aston Villa submit offer for Marcus Rashford
According to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have now submitted an offer for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who has spent the current campaign on loan at FC Barcelona.
Barcelona have already been crowned La Liga champions, and they are keen to secure Rashford’s signature on a permanent basis, but the Spanish heavyyweights are unwilling to pay Man United’s asking price of €30m (£26m).
As such, Villa have attempted a late hijack, but it could be difficult to get a deal done, as the England international wants to remain at the Camp Nou, and Barcleona are exploring other ways of securing his signature, including a new loan agreement.
The 28-year-old has been particularly impressive in the Champions League for Barcelona, scoring a brace in a 2-1 victory against Newcastle United back in September, after which he received plaudits from manager Hansi Flick.
Flick said: “I’m not surprised. I said yesterday he is a fantastic player, great talent. His skills are unbelievable, his finishing unbelievable. When we spoke before the season, we decided we need a player like him.”
Not only that, but the £233k-a-week Man United academy graduate is also proven in the Premier League, amassing 89 goals and 53 assists in 297 appearances, with five of those goal involvements coming during his time on loan at Villa Park.
Rashford could be a fantastic signing for Aston Villa, but he appears to have his heart set on a permanent move to the Camp Nou, which means Emery may have to move on to alternative targets.
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