Frustrated Ollie Watkins is the key target for Newcastle after Jorgen Strand Larsen rejection
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(Credit: Imago)
Jack Heath
Tue 26 August 2025 16:51, UK
Ollie Watkins could be the striker Newcastle and Eddie Howe have been waiting for after their bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves was rejected.
Underwhelming and off-the-pace, two terms to describe Aston Villa‘s start to the season following a 0-0 draw with Newcastle and an appalling 1-0 loss to Brentford in match day two.
Unai Emery’s star striker Watkins has been starved of service, hitting the target just once in two matches, being afforded only one big chance.
The Englishman has been failed by a disjointed and disorderly attacking support who cannot string a pass together, leaving the number 11 looking frustrated.
Alongside Villa, only Wolves have failed to find the back of the net so far this season with Newcastle target Strand Larsen similarly not being provided with the right support.
Both strikers have been targeted by the Toon and are growing increasingly annoyed by their club’s start to the season, yet could the Villa man be precisely what Howe is looking for?
With the FIFA World Cup on the line, the Englishman needs to prioritise consistent minutes this season (Credit: Imago)
After being rebuked by the Wanderers following a £50million bid from the Magpies (Sky Sports), it is back to the drawing board for Howe and the board as they look to end their arduous summer’s hunt for a long-term striker replacement.
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But, arguably the former Bournemouth boss is looking in the wrong place with 29-year-old Watkins with Football Insider exclusively revealing on 28 July that Aston Villa have told rivals Watkins could leave for the right price.
Having missed out on Champions League football, a lucrative prospect the Toon can offer, the England international will surely be itching to play in the top-tier of European competition.
Compounded by the fact Emery’s side look devoid of ideas and in financial turmoil, jumping ship to St James’ Park who have a striker void to fill makes complete sense.
In addition to the World Cup approaching, Howe would have a highly-motivated forward in his front line, especially considering the red card picked up by makeshift striker Anthony Gordon against Liverpool.
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The Norwegian has been on the radar of the striker-less Newcastle
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I think the crucial factor that could force through Watkins’ move to Newcastle would be whether the Villains take the plunge for unwanted Chelsea man Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegalese has become surplus to requirement with Emery intrigued by the prospect of reuniting with his former forward from their Villarreal days.
His arrival would surely place the minutes of the number 11 at major risk as the 24-year-old would likely oust the Englishman from his starting berth if he makes the switch from Stamford Bridge to Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa Premier LeagueAppearances186Goals75Assists34(Source: Premier League)
Moreover, the Spanish manager has shown limited loyalty with Watkins after he dropped the ex-Brentford man towards the back end of last season in favour of Marcus Rashford.
All these factors must play on the Englishman’s mind as he aims to protect his playing time to book his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad next summer.
The doors of St James’ Park beckon for the 29-year-old as a late move for the disillusioned, infuriated and tetchy striker could be the solution that has stared Howe in the face all summer long without realising it.
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