Aston Villa set for £15m transfer battle amid Nottingham Forest and Watford links

Nottingham Forest and Watford could be set to battle for the signing of Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis, according to reports.

Davis, 24, spent the end of the last season on loan at Forest and played a key role in securing promotion to the top flight of English football for the first time in 23 years for the Reds, as he recorded five goals for Steve Cooper's side.

Despite impressing while out on loan, Davis' days at Villa Park look numbered with Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings and possibly Cameron Archer all seemingly ahead of him within the pecking order of options upfront for Steven Gerrard to turn to. A permanent move away from the club now seems inevitable, which could lead to a possible bidding war unfolding as the list of suitors interested in acquiring his services begins to grow.

According to The Athletic, Watford 'hold an interest' in signing Davis but Forest 'have a greater chance' of completing a deal. Reports have suggested Villa could be asking for as much as £15m, although it is likely the clubs will find a compromise lower figure.

Jimmy Thomas, the father of Davis, commented on his son's future after outlining how he is 'at home' playing for the Reds, as speculation regarding a permanent move to the East Midlands club for the 24-year-old continues.

Speaking to in the aftermath of Forest's promotion. He said: "I'm really proud. He worked really hard to get where he is. We're really proud of him.

"It was really exciting. I really enjoyed it. I think that's the third time he's been to Wembley, so for him to play this time and experience all of it was really nice, especially for us as well. He spotted us in the crowd and was waving and sending love hearts.

"He has really enjoyed it at Forest. He felt at