29 April 2023 , 21:30
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Bayern Munich have had Ollie Watkins watched as part of their search for a new striker this summer.
Watkins has been in explosive form in front of goal since Unai Emery arrived at Aston Villa in October.
And with 15 goals this season — including one run of 11 in 12 matches — that form has not gone unnoticed both at home and on the Continent.
Bayern had a scout at Villa’s home game with Fulham on Tuesday, although the only goal was scored by Watkins’ team-mate Tyrone Mings.
Fourteen of Watkins’ goals have been scored in 32 Premier League matches this season, putting him seventh on the top flight’s top scorers list with only three other Englishmen, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford, ahead of him.
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New Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has already identified the need for a new striker with Tottenham ’s England captain Kane also on the German giants’ radar.
However, both Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on Kane, too, and there’s also a chance that he could stay at Spurs to see out the final year of his contract.
Watkins, 27, has two years remaining on his deal at Villa Park after this season but if he fires Villa to a European finish then Villa will brace themselves for offers from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Watkins has been in brilliant form for Villa (Getty Images)Villa boss Emery will be desperate to him him, and said earlier this month that he hopes to add to his striking ranks in the summer.
“My instruction to every player is we have to use our moment as a professional to try and improve in our work by always thinking about football. Watkins does this and is a good example," he said.
“We need strikers.
“With Watkins, we are happy now, he’s progressing. We want to keep him. But, as well, if we can add another striker to play with him or to play in different competitions, it’s the idea.
“I want a stronger squad with two players for each position, and to add performances to get better as a team.”