Ollie Watkins' replacement? Aston Villa agree £30.5m signing of versatile Nice forward

Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Ivory Coast international forward Evann Guessand from Nice, which could open the door to Ollie Watkins' exit from Villa Park this summer. Watkins has been linked with a move away from the club since the start of the summer transfer window, with several teams, including Manchester United, keen on signing the England star.

  • Villa set to sign striker from
  • Watkins could exit this summer
  • English forward wanted by Man Utd

Ollie Watkins' replacement? Aston Villa agree £30.5m signing of versatile Nice forwardOllie Watkins' replacement? Aston Villa agree £30.5m signing of versatile Nice forwardOllie Watkins' replacement? Aston Villa agree £30.5m signing of versatile Nice forwardOllie Watkins' replacement? Aston Villa agree £30.5m signing of versatile Nice forward

According to Fabrizio Romano have reached a verbal agreement with Nice to sign their 24-year-old forward Guessand. The side will pay €30 million (£26m/$34.6m) plus €5m add-ons, with the side giving the green light for the player to travel for his medical.

The Villans have not decided on Watkins’ future at the club, although reports suggest that the club might accept a bid of between £40m and £50m ($66m) for the international striker.

The Sun reported earlier on Tuesday that Watkins “feels the time is right to leave Villa Park” after netting 87 goals for the club across five seasons, and the striker is said to be “keen” on a transfer to .

Unai Emery’s side will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on AS in a pre-season friendly at home.