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Leeds United want Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins
Leeds United are interested in signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, as per Ben Jacobs.
The CBSSportsGolazo journalist reported on Twitter on 14 August that the Whites have joined Crystal Palace in the race for the England striker.
Villa do not want to sell him, but the key here is whether Watkins wants to move away from Villa Park.
Jacobs wrote on Twitter: “A final name to mention is Ollie Watkins. Villa sources dismiss tension between Watkins and Steven Gerrard and maintain they don’t want to sell. Palace and Leeds monitoring. Key will be whether Watkins pushes for an exit. Villa calm about situation but no doubt one to watch.”
Tough
Watkins would be a massive signing for the Whites this summer if they can pull off a deal for him.
While he needs to improve on his finishing and positioning, no one question his work ethic and quality.
Football Insider reported on 10 August that Villa are willing to sell Watkins in the final weeks of the transfer window and that the pair do not see eye to eye.
Jacobs suggests that Villa sources have dismissed such talks and the club want to keep their top striker.
However, if Watkins wants to leave the club, the situation will become very interesting.
Watkins provided an assist for Emi Buendia on Saturday (13 August) as Villa won 2-1 against Everton.
Leeds are looking to bolster their forward department and they are keeping tabs on players like Che Adams and Ben Brereton Diaz.
The Whites do have money to spend big on a striker, but getting a deal for Watkins won’t be easy.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites now have a clear run to sign a £20m-rated left-back as their Premier League rivals have now bowed out of the race.