Aston Villa ‘stance’ on Ollie Watkins sale amid Manchester United ‘intrigue’ plus more transfer rumours

Aston Villa reportedly plan to offer Ollie Watkins a new contract to quell any speculation of a potential exit amid links with Manchester United.

The England striker has scored four times in nine appearances across all competitions and has become a key part of Unai Emery’s set-up. The likes of United, Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with a potential move next summer with his deal expiring in 2025.

However, talkSPORT says Villa are planning to offer him a new long-term deal to ward off any interested parties. The report also says Watkins is happy to stay at Villa Park having been in discussions since the end of last season after tallying 15 goals.

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Talks are said to be ramping up with both parties eager to get a fresh deal penned once terms have been thrashed out. Erik ten Hag was searching for a striker last season having initially made Harry Kane his top target.

But after being rebuffed by Tottenham, United went about the market as though Kane would not be sold to a Premier League rival and focused their attention on Rasmus Hojlund, who arrived on a £72m deal in August.

However, Portuguese hero Paulo Futre claims agent Jorge Mendes offered Joao Felix to United but was rejected. The Atletico Madrid striker ultimately ended up at Barcelona but former Benfica and West Ham star Futre said the summer could have ended a lot different.

Speaking of Mendes and Felix, he told Cadena SER. "He told me that he had spoken to Manchester United. I verified what he told me because I have friends and it was true.

"Later he had spoken with Manchester City, I also checked and they didn't want Joao either. Neither