Aston Villa agree club-record £28million deal for Ollie Watkins transfer

Aston Villa have won the race for Ollie Watkins in a club-record £28million deal.

The Midlands club are also increasing their bid for Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez and prepared to bid for Bournemouth striker Josh King too.

Villa boss Dean Smith made a breakthrough yesterday (Tuesday) in his pursuit of striker Watkins from his old club Brentford.

Villa agreed a fee after increasing their offer , which could rise to £33m with add-ons.

It replaces the £22m paid for Brazilian striker Wesley as Villa’s record fee.

Hitman Watkins,24, who smashed 26 goals last term, will become Villa’s second summer signing after snapping up Matty Cash for £16m from Nottingham Forest.

Villa spent £150m last season and their wealthy owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are prepared to bankroll another spree.

Villa also want to bring in Argentine Martinez,28, and are set to raise their next bid to nearly £20m.

Villa shot-stopper Tom Heaton has confirmed he will miss the start of the season after knee surgery in January.

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Smith can offer Martinez regular first team action which he craves after successfully deputising for the injured Bernd Leno last term.

Martinez helped Arsenal to their record 14th FA Cup but could be behind fit-again Leno once more this season.

Villa hope a deal can be struck if the Gunners find a replacement No.2 such as Brentford’s David Raya.

Smith’s side, who stayed up on the final day, want two strikers and are set to bid £16m for Bournemouth frontman King too after Callum Wilson opted for Newcastle instead.

King,28, was a target for Manchester United in January and has just one year left on his contract.

Villa also want a new wideman and are keen on Liverpool’s Harry Wilson,23, as well as keeping tabs on attacking Anfield starlet Rhian Brewster,aged 20.