'£50m?' - Sky Sports man 'surprised' at exit news he's heard from Villa Park - report

Pundit Danny Mills has been reacting to rumours of Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins potentially moving to West Ham, Football Insider report.

Watkins has been a regular this season, missing just one game since Steven Gerrard took over back in November. The 26-year-old has been in fine in front of goal over recent months, which has resulted in links of a move to the London Stadium.

David Moyes’ side are exploring the possibility of signing the England international, with Villa likely to demand £50m for his services after suggestions Gerrard would be willing to cash in this summer.

Mills, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Watkins amid rumours of a move to West Ham.

He said he’d be ‘surprised’ if Watkins left Villa Park this summer, as he would need to be replaced, questioning if a £50m price tag was fair.

“It’s an interesting one, isn’t it? Because he has done pretty well.

“But you do think there is perhaps something just missing. Something that isn’t quite there in some of his performances.

“Is £50million a lot? Maybe West Ham would be the club for him. He’s good but he’s not outstanding week in and week out.

“I’m sure Villa want to keep him. He hasn’t been disastrous in any shape or form and if he goes he has to be replaced.

“So I would be surprised if he went this summer. You have to remember he came from the Championship and he was down there for a reason.

“You have to find your level and work to get that Premier League quality. Maybe over the next couple of seasons, he will get there.”

Watkins is Villa’s most valuable asset, as per Transfermarkt and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £31.5m valuation. Therefore, a £50m fee should be the least Villa receive should they