Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast that there is “next to no chance” of striker Ollie Watkins leaving this summer.
Earlier, it had been reported that Liverpool were interested in signing Watkins, with the Villa forward impressing in his debut Premier League campaign.
In 37 games, Watkins went on to score 14 goals to help his side to a respectable 11th-placed finish.
It makes Liverpool’s reported interest in the 25-year-old more than understandable. Hatfield, however, is not expecting a Villa Park exit anytime soon.
“I’d say there’s next to no chance that Watkins leaves the club this summer,” the Express & Star reporter said.
“I think he’s happy at the club, the club are obviously very happy with him and they hold him in the highest regard.
“Considering they signed him for around £30m last summer, they’d want a real upgrade on that fee if they were to even consider a sale, which I don’t think they would.”
Indeed, it is hard to imagine Watkins leaving Villa in this transfer window, even if a big-money offer does come in.
The England international, who was recently given his first cap by Gareth Southgate, has a contract until 2025, meaning Villa are under no pressure to sell.
Ultimately, you would have to imagine that Liverpool, or any other team looking for a Premier League proven striker, will have to look elsewhere this summer.