Dan Bardell and Gregg Evans discussed all the latest Aston Villa news on the most recent edition of The Athletic’s 1874 podcast and Evans spent some time talking about Villa’s pursuit of Brentford striker Ollie Watkins during the show.
As per Transfermarkt, Villa had the highest net transfer spend of any Premier League side for the 2019/20 campaign, however, they are yet to make their first purchase of the current transfer window ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
While they are yet to spend any money following their 17th-placed finish last term, the Villans have been linked with a move for Watkins, who is said to be a ‘top target’ for Crystal Palace, as well as Villa.
On the topic of the Birmingham-based club’s pursuit of the 24-year-old Brentford man, Evans had this to say during this recent edition of the 1874 podcast: “Ollie Watkins is a player I’ve spoken about previously and written about – he’s still somebody they’re trying to get in.
“They negotiated with Brentford last summer, but weren’t prepared to pay the £10m that they were asking for back then. It’s going to cost at least double that now, so Villa need to make a decision whether they want to spend that money on him or not.
“I think that they would get that deal done, I think that it’s something that Dean Smith certainly wants.”
Is Watkins worth £20m?
YES
NO
TIF Thoughts…
So, judging by his comments on this potential transfer during this podcast, Evans seems confident that Watkins will end up at Villa Park for the 2020/21 season, however, the journalist suggested that it will cost the Birmingham-based club at least £20m to sign the £10.8m-rated player, who they seemingly could have signed for £10m last summer.
Considering that Watkins has never played in the Premier League before, as well as the fact that Transfermarkt values the 24-year-old at just £10.8m, we feel that Villa could be better off looking at other targets if Brentford want £20m for Watkins.
Villa had a better goalscoring record than seven other Premier League teams last season but they had the second-worst defensive record in the league in terms of goals conceded, so perhaps they should prioritise strengthening their defence before moving for a new striker.