Aston Villa have reportedly opened contract talks with star striker Ollie Watkins, according to The Athletic.

The Midlands club is keen to tie the player down to an extended deal at Villa Park to fight off interest in Watkins when the summer transfer window opens.

Aston Villa open contract talks with Ollie Watkins

Watkins has been a crucial star for Unai Emery’s Villa since the Spaniard took over. The 27-year-old is on course for his best-scoring season in the Premier League this term, as he has also matched his tally of 14 goals from the 2020-21 season.

No player in Europe’s top five leagues has scored more than Watkins since play resumed following the World Cup. His form has been a key factor in Villa’s charge up the standings, and they look set to book a European spot for the first time since their promotion back to the Premier League.

However, Villa will be wary of the interest in their star striker, with Bayern Munich among the club monitoring the situation.