Ollie Watkins to sign new long-term Aston Villa contract?

Aston Villa have reportedly made significant progress in contract talks with Ollie Watkins.

Since moving to the West Midlands outfit for an initial £28m fee in 2020, the forward has not always lived up to his price tag.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old went into this season with 25 goals and seven assists in two full seasons of Premier League football with the Villans.

The arrival of Unai Emery, who replaced Steven Gerrard in the dugout in November, has taken the England international's game to new levels.

In his last 13 matches in the top flight, Watkins has chipped in with 12 goals and three assists, a return only bettered by Erling Braut Haaland.

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As a result, bigger clubs are starting to take a closer look at the versatile attacker, aware that his contract is currently due to expire in 2025.

Watkins is also at a stage of his career where he may consider taking on a new challenge, particularly if it involves a switch to a club consistently playing in Europe.

However, according to TEAMtalk, there is every indication that Watkins is prepared to commit his future to Villa.

The report claims that Watkins has already agreed fresh terms and that an announcement could be made in due course, confirming that the player has turned down the chance to explore a move elsewhere.

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Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all said to have made contact with the player's representatives to express their interest.

Instead, it is suggested that Watkins has faith in securing European football with Villa, who now find themselves very much in the mix for action on the continent.

Villa have collected a remarkable 23 points from a possible 27 since February 25, catapulting the club into sixth position in the Premier League standings.

Although Villa face pressure from teams below them, they sit just two points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who were thrashed 6-1 by Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.