Villa striker latest to be linked with Mags

NEWCASTLE United have become the latest club to consider a chase for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, it has been claimed.

- KIERAN KING Football writer [e-mail]

Eddie Howe's side are in the market for a new No.9 and the 29-year-old has emerged as a shock target.

Watkins, who signed for Villa in a £30m deal from Brentford back in 2020, has been a revelation for the west Midlands club, scoring 87 times and providing 42 assists in 223 appearances across the last five years.

However, with Watkins set to turn 30 in December, speculation has increased surrounding his long-term future at Villa Park. Arsenal were linked with a move back in January, while Manchester United are also admirers.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Watkins has emerged as a name mentioned by figures at Newcastle following Callum Wilson’s departure.