Villa name price for Watkins amidst West Ham chase
West Ham are looking to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins at the top of their list, according to reports.
The England international has scored 26 goals in 72 matches in all competitions since moving from Brentford to Aston Villa for £33m in 2020.
His performances for Aston Villa earned him his first call-up to an England squad in March 2021 with Watkins making his international debut for Gareth Southgate’s men in the same month against San Marino.
West Ham have identified him ‘as a key target this summer’ and the Hammers ‘have explored the possibility of signing the England international and could decide to test Villa’s resolve by bidding for the 26-year-old’.
The report adds that Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard ‘could be prepared to sell Watkins, although it is likely Villa would demand at least £50m for the forward’.
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Moyes is ‘acutely aware of the need to provide’ Michail Antonio with more ‘competition’ next season with the West Ham striker providing 12 goals and nine assists.
The Guardian add that Armando Broja, Darwin Nunez and Eddie Nketiah are also on their list of potential targets this summer.
Meanwhile, Gerrard wants to see his Aston Villa side embrace the challenge of coming up against one of the best sides in the world on Tuesday night, when they face his former club Liverpool.
“Liverpool are a world-class team. Arguably, the best team in the world right now. We’re well aware of the challenge,” said Gerrard.