Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins 'wants to stay' at Villa Park despite speculation that he has been involved in a bust-up with head coach Steven Gerrard, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Villa got the new campaign off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Bournemouth, but the setback has also led to reports of a rift between Watkins and Gerrard.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What's the latest news involving Watkins?

Watkins was not included in the starting line-up for Villa's opening day loss at Bournemouth, with the striker being made to settle for a 24-minute cameo appearance off the bench.

Gerrard's decision to omit Watkins from his first XI has led to question marks over the 26-year-old's future and, according to Football Insider, Villa are willing to cash-in ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

The report suggests Gerrard has a tense relationship with the seven-cap England international and the pair do not see eye-to-eye.

Villa have rubbished suggestions that the boss and Watkins have been involved in a bust-up, with communications director Tommy Jordan insisting the claims are 'absolute nonsense'.

Watkins was linked with a move to Premier League rivals West Ham United prior to the summer window opening for business, but a switch failed to come to fruition.

What has Dean Jones said about Watkins?

Jones believes that Watkins is keen to stay with his current employers and reclaim his starting role.

However, the transfer insider feels the frontman could look to move onto pastures new if it becomes clear that he does not feature in the forefront of Gerrard's plans.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think Ollie Watkins wants to prove a point and stay at Aston Villa.

"But, ultimately, if he's getting negative vibes from inside his own club, he'll want very positive vibes from somewhere else and know that he's actually wanted."

Would Villa be making a mistake if they sold Watkins ahead of the deadline?

Watkins became Villa's club-record signing when he made the £33million switch from Brentford close to two years ago.

He has gone on to become a prolific marksman in the Midlands, with him finding the back of the net 27 times and chipping in with a further seven assists in 77 outings.

Nine of those goals have come since Gerrard was appointed as Villa's boss last November, so he has been a success under the former Rangers chief and it would be an error of judgement if he were to sanction Watkins' departure.