Leeds United could be ‘offered’ the services of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins over the coming days, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 26-year-old was left out of the starting XI for the Villans’ opening-day defeat at the hands of Bournemouth and has now been tipped to seek pastures new this summer.

What is the latest news involving Watkins?

Football Insider have reported that Villa are ‘willing to sell’ Watkins in the closing stages of the transfer window due to his ‘tense’ relationship with manager Steven Gerrard.

It’s claimed that the pair do not see ‘eye to eye’ and that Gerrard is now ready to part ways with his star forward despite the market closing on September 1.

And Leeds could be one of the sides potentially interested in Watkins as manager Jesse Marsch continues to search for some cover and competition for Patrick Bamford up front.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has previously informed GiveMeSport that ‘the idea at Leeds is to keep the current squad and to add a striker’, meaning the England international may now come onto their radar.

What has Jones said about Watkins?

Jones believes that the likes of Leeds, Crystal Palace and Everton could be handed the chance to sign Watkins as his representatives ‘gauge how much interest’ there is in him.

He told GMS: “What would happen in a situation like this is, typically, intermediaries start targeting obvious clubs when a player is made to feel like they don't have much of a future.

“So, if that is the case with Watkins, like it's been reported, then I would expect Leeds, Crystal Palace, Everton also be offered his services in the next week or so just to gauge how much interest there is out there.”

Would Watkins be a good signing?

Watkins has established himself as a reliable performer in the Premier League since Villa paid Brentford £28 million for his services back in 2020.

In his two full campaigns in the top-flight, the intelligent attacker has registered 25 goals and seven assists in 73 appearances, helping the Villans to avoid a relegation battle on both occasions.

And he could prove to be an extremely valuable asset to Marsch should he land at Elland Road due to his output in the final third of the pitch and his versatility.

Only time will tell if Leeds do make a move for Watkins, but he would surely be warmly welcomed by the club’s supporters and be considered a sizeable coup.