Expert backs Everton to set sights on '£30m' deal to sign Aston Villa star - 'Definitely an upgrade'
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(Credit: Imago) Mon 30 March 2026 18:15, UK Everton are among the Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Ollie Watkins in case he is allowed to leave Aston Villa at the end of the season.The 30-year-old has endured a difficult season at Villa Park and could become part of a mass exodus with Unai Emery’s side likely to be forced to sell players.Everton are among multiple sides in the Premier League keen on landing a new striker as concerns about Beto and Thierno Barry’s goalscoring exploits have lingered.Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown, who played a key role in landing Watkins, told Football Insider that he would be an outstanding option for David Moyes’ side.Watkins is among the leading targets ahead of a busy transfer window for Everton, and his potential availability has placed them on alert. 💸 Everton Transfer News 💸 Get the latest recruitment inside track from the Hill Dickinson Stadium: exclusive updates on the pursuit of Liam Delap, the Friedkin Group’s summer budget, and Jack Grealish’s permanent future. VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Everton set sights on £30m Ollie Watkins dealFootball Insider exclusively revealed last month that Aston Villa will demand £30million for Watkins as they prepare to refresh their front line this summer.A reduced transfer fee on the previous £50million quoted has come as a result of his poor form this season while placing a number of clubs on alert.Ollie WatkinsAston Villa Stats 2025-26Appearances43Starts32Minutes Played2867Goals10Assists2Ollie Watkins’ 2025-26 stats for Aston Villa.
(via Transfermarkt)Should Everton be made aware of his availability, they could make a move this summer to add more quality to their attacking options.“Ollie Watkins would be an outstanding option for Everton,” Brown told Football Insider.“There are a lot of Premier League clubs who are going to be keeping an eye on him.“I think he’s still a great option for Aston Villa as well, but it seems they might be looking to sell him at the end of the season because of their financial issues.“Watkins is one of those strikers who is always working hard, running the channels, getting in behind defenders and causing problems.“He might not be the most consistent in front of goal, his first touch isn’t always perfect, but he gives you something a lot of strikers don’t these days.“Plus, he’s got bags of experience in the Premier League and he’s shown over a number of years that he can score goals at the highest level.“So for Everton, they’re still not convinced by the strikers they’ve got, and Watkins is definitely an upgrade on them.“If he’s going to be available, Everton will be one of a number of clubs having a look.”Which other strikers are on Everton’s list of targets?Watkins is not the only player being targeted by Everton as Moyes seeks a more consistent and prolific striker to lead the line at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.Former Toffees CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 28 March that Everton are interested in signing Liam Delap from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.Credit: ImagoThe 23-year-old has endured a difficult season at Stamford Bridge and could become available if he fails to make his mark under Liam Rosenior.Everton were also linked with a move to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen before his big-money move to Crystal Palace in the mid-season window, with multiple options on their radar.Concerns about both Beto and Barry have led them to pursue a new centre-forward with plans to continue their ambitions after a strong Premier League season. 🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵 The definitive digital directory for the Toffees. Track the Friedkin era, Finch Farm fitness updates, and the transition to the New Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
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