By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

25th Sep, 2023 | 1:30pm

Ollie Watkins: Aston Villa star set for big pay hike as talks advance - sources

Aston Villa are keen to reward Ollie Watkins with a bumper new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

Unai Emery confirmed the striker remains in talks with the Midlands giants over a renewed deal at Villa Park.

Watkins, who opened his Premier League account for the 2023-24 campaign with a goal in the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday (24 September), is currently out of contract in June 2025.

But the England international is happy at Aston Villa and is the undisputed main starter for Emery’s side, with Jhon Duran currently only serving as the backup forward.

As such, there is a confidence from all sides that a new contract can be agreed.

The Midlands giants are ready to reward Watkins for his good form and increased responsibility by handing him a bumper new deal.

He has notched four goals and two assists in nine games across all competitions so far this season.

The striker enjoyed the best form of his Premier League career in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 16 goals and registering six assists.

Watkins scored 10 goals in 11 games between January and April for Emery’s side – and they went on to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

The 27-year-old made his England debut in March 2021 and has gone on to get seven caps, scoring twice.

He joined Villa in 2020 for a reported then-club-record fee of £28million.

The Midlands giants face Everton in the League Cup on Wednesday (27 September) before hosting Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday (30 September).

In other news, Monchi revolution continues at Aston Villa as behind-the-scenes deal agreed.