Fenerbahçe ‘hold talks’ over Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins | OneFootball

Fenerbahçe have held preliminary talks over a move for Aston Villa and England forward Ollie Watkins as they remodel their attack before the new season.

According to Turkish-Football.com, the Istanbul club have contacted the 30-year-old’s representatives to test the financial framework, and a broad agreement on personal terms could be possible if the clubs strike a deal.

Discussions are understood to centre on a three-year contract, with a net salary around €9m (£7.6m) per year. A sizeable gap in valuation remains, with Villa pricing Watkins at €35m (£29.5m) and in no rush to sell an important member of Unai Emery’s squad.

Fenerbahçe would prefer a package closer to €25m (£21.1m), seeking to use performance-related add-ons to narrow the €10m difference.

The pursuit forms part of a measured squad reset aimed at adding proven international pedigree for domestic and European campaigns, with Watkins’ work rate and tactical flexibility seen as a strong fit for the Süper Lig.

Watkins has two years left on his Villa Park contract and featured in last season’s successful European run. Villa are open to market offers that meet their valuation in full, and talks are expected to continue in the coming weeks as Fenerbahçe weigh an improved formal bid before pre-season registration cut-offs.

Source: Turkish-Football.com