The very latest Newcastle United transfer news and rumours amid speculation around Ollie Watkins.
Ollie Watkins in action for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been among several players be linked with a transfer to Newcastle United this summer.
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Newcastle United-linked Ollie Watkins will reportedly be staying at Aston Villa this summer.
The Magpies have been looking to snap-up a new striker this summer to complement star man Alexander Isak - who continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool. Isak was left out of Newcastle's Premier League opener at Villa on Saturday and it's understood that the club are pondering when to take action on him.
The Sweden striker is now free from the groin injury that kept him out of the trip to the Far East in pre-season, but is reportedly adamant on a switch to Anfield before the summer transfer window closes on September 1. Villa's Watkins has been one of many strikers linked with a switch to St James' Park as Newcastle look to strengthen their options in that position.
But BirminghamLive report that selling Watkins is, simply, not on Villa's agenda - with the club relying on his goals this season. The England international scored 16 times in the Premier League last term following a return of 19 goals in the top-flight the year before.
And after Jacob Ramsey's £39million switch to Newcastle, Villa have now generated around £285m in sales since June 2024 and are under no pressure to sell.
The news represents a blow to Eddie Howe's side, who have already missed out on several targets in a frustrating summer at the north east team. When recently asked about their hopes of signing a new striker, Howe admitted it has been a huge challenge for Newcastle this summer.
"It seems like the striker market every year gets tighter and tighter," he said.
"Maybe that's because we've continued to grow as a team.
"Anybody coming in to make us better, there aren't many available of that calibre, and when they are potentially available, the price seems to go up and up and up.
"Then you're dealt other challenges; PSR, how much you spend in one window, long-term effects if we do make a transfer. So it's not as clear as going out and getting any player.
"They have to fit the team, make us better and be affordable, so that's not a large group of players."
Asked whether he expects striker progress in the next week, Howe continued: "Expect is the wrong word. We are working hard to bring more players in. It would probably be more hope than expectation.
"It's been my wish to get a striker in. We needed to replace Callum Wilson. We've been looking to replace a striker to replace Callum.
"Callum is a big miss, not just his playing ability, but with his personality. That's what we're looking to do."
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