JUST WAT I WANTED

Emery's feeling jolly as Ollie votes remain

- NEIL MOXLEY

OLLIE WATKINS has told Unai Emery he wants to stay at Aston Villa.

The England international - subject of a £40m bid from Arsenal - has spoken to the Spaniard about his future.

And Emery, fresh from off-loading striker Jhon Duran for £77.5m to Al-Nassr, has confirmed that the 29-year-old will not be moving before the closure of this transfer window.

Asked if he had that commitment from his key striker, Villa's boss (inset) said: "Yes, he is happy to stay.

"Ollie appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him, helping him and, when we joined two years ago, always trying to get the best from him.

"Now, we need him, like he needed Aston Villa.

"When some teams are interested in the players, of course, it is very good for us and the players.