Newcastle United are eyeing a summer move to sign Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins ahead of Serie A giants AC Milan, according to Sports Boom.
The Magpies have had a disappointing season so far in their campaign, currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table following their derby day defeat to Sunderland, while they were also humiliated in the Champions League by Barcelona, losing 8-3 on aggregate in the Last 16 stage.
Despite there being question marks over the future of manager Eddie Howe, the club are still looking ahead to the summer window for ways to strengthen their squad, and it has now emerged that a familiar face is set to be targeted.
Newcastle Eyeing Move for Watkins
Watkins, who is Aston Villa’s record goalscorer in the Premier League, has struggled for form this season, which has seen the Midlands club begin to look at potentially replacing him.
However, Newcastle are looking to strengthen with a Premier League-proven option who can provide them with a reliable source of goals following the struggles of Nick Woltemade and Yoanne Wissa after their moves last summer, and Watkins is a top target.
It’s understood that Watkins is ready to move away from Villa Park this summer to revitalise his career after a difficult spell, but while Newcastle hold an interest in the England international, they face strong competition from AC Milan too.
Watkins is under contract until 2028, but it’s reported that a deal worth around £30m would be enough to convince the club to sell considering he is now in his thirties.
Newcastle Need Goals
One of the club’s biggest issues this season has been a severe lack of goals, and that has made bringing in a new striker a top priority.
Wissa has managed to find the net just three times since his mega-money move from Brentford, while Woltemade has struggled for form after an initially good start and has been linked with a move away after just one season.
While Watkins may be past his best years, he still offers plenty when it comes to his movement and finishing in the box, while his link-up play will help the rest of the squad to improve. It could prove to be shrewd business if they make their interest more concrete.
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