Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs to learn a potential asking price for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.
The 29-year-old has established himself as a club legend during his stay in the West Midlands, one which started back in 2020.
Watkins took his tally to 86 goals and 41 assists from 217 appearances in all competitions as he played a starring role in Villa's 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
However, after the game, the England international was prepared to broadcast his frustration at being left out of the starring lineups for both legs of the recent Champions League quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain.
Although Unai Emery has suggested that he would take the positives from any anger that Watkins holds regarding his team selection, it inevitably creates question marks regarding his long-term future.
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Villa set Watkins asking price
As per Football Insider, Villa officials are not against cashing in on Watkins when they can sign Marcus Rashford for a lower fee.
The Manchester United loanee got the nod in both games versus PSG, while Villa have the option to sign him for £40m at the end of the season.
According to the report, Villa would contemplating selling Watkins this summer if they received a fee in the region of £50m to £60m.
Club officials would allegedly view such a move as "good business" when a range of Premier League clubs would inevitably be interested in Watkins's signature.
While Watkins has never stated a desire to leave Villa on the back of Emery's squad rotation, he is at the stage of his career where he will feel at his peak and want to be viewed as an integral pick.
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Liverpool among clubs who are Watkins admirers
Despite moving to the the brink of the Premier League title, Liverpool will be in the market for a new number nine this summer, particularly when Darwin Nunez is expected to be sold.
Although Watkins will turn 30 years of age in December, chipping in with 109 goals or assists from 179 Premier League games cannot be ignored.
Arsenal are also likely to be monitoring the situation. Watkins is a boyhood Arsenal fan and is no stranger to living in London from his time with Brentford.
As it stands, those two teams will realistically be at the front of the queue for Watkins, particularly when they can offer Champions League football.
Darren Plant
