Premier League giants 'ready to pay' Aston Villa's £60m asking price for Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins has been linked with a huge move away ahead of the summer transfer window.

Watkins, 29, has played a key role for Villa under the guidance of Unai Emery in recent seasons.

During the 23/24 campaign, the Englishman netted 19 goals and assisted 14 as Villa finished in the Champions League places.

This season, his numbers have dropped slightly and in recent weeks, he has been linked with a move away from Villa Park.

On Friday afternoon, it was claimed that one Premier League club could make a huge move to sign the striker.

As reported by Caught Offside, Chelsea are interested in Watkins and are ready to pay their asking price of £60 million.

They wrote on social media: "JUST IN - Chelsea are READY to pay Aston Villa's £60m asking price for Ollie Watkins!

"An approach has already been made. More to follow..."

Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa. Image: Getty

Last month, Watkins was left on the bench for Villa's crucial Champions League tie against Paris Saint Germain, with Emery opting to start loanee Marcus Rashford up front instead.

After being chosen to start the match following the PSG clash, Watkins netted inside the first minute, reminding everyone of his quality.

Speaking after the match, he revealed that he was 'furious' with Emery's decision to overlook him for the PSG match.

He said: "Champions League, we've put in a lot of hard graft in the last few years to get to that position. I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games, so I'm not going to lie - I was fuming I wasn't playing. I let him (Emery) know that. He's the manager at the end of the day. I respect his decision.

"But I'm not one of the players happy to sit on the bench. It's something I haven't experienced before and then to miss out on the biggest stage, you always want to play, especially in the Champions League."