Aston Villa closing in on £28million Ollie Watkins signing
Villa’s pursuit of Ollie Watkins is nearing a successful conclusion after they agreed a club record £28million fee for the Brentford striker.
The 24-year-old has been among Dean Smith’s top targets and talks with the Bees have been ongoing for several weeks.
Villa have now agreed a deal which will see them pay out one of the largest ever fees for a Championship player.
It is understood the final fee could rise as high as £33m, depending on add-ons.
Watkins netted 26 goals in the second tier last season as Brentford narrowly missed out on promotion through the play-offs.
The Exeter City academy product is due to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours as Villa look to close out the deal.
Watkins’ ability to play out wide as well as centrally is thought to have particularly appealed to Smith, who remains in the market for another striker.
Bournemouth’s Josh King is another possible target, with Villa currently weighing up a £16m approach.
