Aston Villa: £33m attacker 'Gerrard's number one' at Villa Park

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is Steven Gerrard’s first-choice striker, ahead of Danny Ings, when it comes to the club’s attack despite rumours of a bust-up emerging over the summer, according to journalist Josh Holland.

Gerrard oversaw a hectic few months of business at Villa Park but he retained the services of his star striker beyond the deadline.

It was reported over the summer that Villa were willing to sell Watkins ahead of the September 1 deadline.

The 26-year-old was left out of the club’s season opener with Bournemouth and it was claimed in the aftermath that he and Gerrard did not see eye to eye.

According to Football Insider, Everton were lining up a swoop for Watkins but ultimately failed, signing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Neal Maupay instead.

However, following the opening day snub, Watkins regained his position in the starting XI, playing the entirety of their following five clashes.

Danny Ings is his biggest competition at Villa Park but the former Southampton ace has, instead, only started three matches in the Premier League this season.

Holland understands that Watkins remains Gerrard’s number one attacker, with the seven-cap England international better suited to the Liverpool legend’s style of play.

The journalist claims that the imminent Qatar World Cup may also be a factor, with the £44,000 per-week star eager to hold onto his spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad.

Holland told GIVEMESPORT: “I still think Watkins is Gerrard’s number one and I think his age is a massive factor in that. Watkins has got his eye on the World Cup squad while Danny Ings hasn’t. I think the way that Watkins plays is better suited to Gerrard’s system – playing on the shoulder of the last man, running in between the lines. I