Key Aston Villa star signs contract extension despite Man Utd interest

Villa fended off interest from several big clubs to keep Ollie Watkins at the club.

Ollie Watkins signed a new long-term contract at Aston Villa on Friday.

Watkins was linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, while Chelsea and Arsenal had shown interest in signing him before. However, the English forward has decided to continue his career at Villa Park.

“I feel like this is the best place for me to play my football; I’ve still got a lot to achieve here,” he told the club’s official website.

Villa chose the perfect time to renew Watkins’ deal. The 27-year-old earned a callup to the England national team after scoring a sensational hat-trick against Brighton last weekend.

Villa’s significant improvement since Unai Emery’s arrival played a major role in convincing Watkins to stay at Villa Park.

“We’re only getting started. The boss has been here for a year and you’ve seen the form and progression of players,” he added.

“There are other levels we can get to. Hopefully, we can push on and get to the Champions League spots – that’s the aim.”

Aston Villa will take on Wolves in their next Premier League on Sunday. Watkins will then join England, who meet Australia and Italy in the upcoming international break.