Aston Villa have made a late bid to hijack Barcelona’s £26m move for the forward

Aston Villa have now made a late bid for the “unbelievable” star, who has agreed personal terms with Barcelona.

Ollie Watkins leads Aston Villa back into the Champions League

Villa secured a return to the Champions League with a 4-2 win over Liverpool in their last Premier League game, which ensured they would not finish lower than fifth, and Ollie Watkins played a big part in the victory.

The 20-capped Englishman scored two goals and an assist in the win, with Jamie Redknapp praising the striker for the problems he was able to cause for Virgil van Dijk.

Redknapp says: “He’s Liverpool’s enemy – they can’t handle him. Nobody gives Virgil van Dijk as much trouble as Ollie Watkins. He’s very dangerous for Liverpool.”

Watkins is Villa’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, netting 14 times, but Unai Emery’s side are now targeting a striker who can provide support.

Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu is one of the options on the shortlist, while Everton are also in contention for the 22-year-old’s signature, but a veteran player with more experience at Premier League level has also emerged as a big target.

Aston Villa are making an offer for Marcus Rashford

According to a report from Spain (via Sports Witness), Aston Villa have now submitted a bid for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who has spent the current campaign on loan at FC Barcelona.

Barcelona are already crowned La Liga champions, and are keen to secure Rashford’s signature on a permanent basis, but the Spanish giants are unwilling to pay Man United’s €30m (£26m) asking price.

As such, Villa have attempted a late hijack, but a deal could prove difficult, as the England international wants to stay at the Camp Nou, and Barcleona are looking at other options for his signature, including a new loan deal.

The 28-year-old has been impressive in the Champions League for Barcelona, ​​scoring in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United in September, after which he earned praise from manager Hansi Flick.

Flick says: “I am not surprised. I said yesterday that he is an amazing player, with great talent. His ability is unbelievable, his finishing is unbelievable. When we talked before the season, we decided that we need a player like him.”

Not only that, but the £233k-a-week Man United academy graduate has proven himself in the Premier League too, picking up 89 goals and 53 assists in 297 appearances, five of those goals coming while on loan at Villa Park.

Rashford would be a great player for Aston Villa, but it seems his heart is set on a move to Camp Nou, meaning Emery may have to move on to other targets.

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