Ollie Watkins signs long-term contract extension at Aston Villa with the forward committing his future to the club… days after his England recall

• Watkins had been in talks over a new contract at Aston Villa since the spring
• The England international’s new deal takes him towards Villa’s top pay bracket 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Ollie Watkins has signed a new long-term contract with Aston Villa in the week he was recalled to the England squad.

The forward has been in discussions with Villa since the spring but has now finalise terms and pledge his future to the club.

The deal takes Watkins towards Villa’s top pay bracket alongside players like Tyrone Mings, Moussa Diaby and Emiliano Martinez.

Earlier this week boss Unai Emery said: ‘Yes, 100 per cent confident (he will sign) because I think he is happy here and progressing. He is taking a new challenge on with us.

‘I think the club and him are talking. We can be optimistic at the possibility he will extend his contract with Aston Villa.

Ollie Watkins has committed his future to Aston Villa by signing a new long-term contract

Watkins earned an England recall this week after scoring seven goals in 12 matches for Villa

Manager Unai Emery recently said he was confident Watkins will remain at the club

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‘His progress before we arrived here was important. He has been consistent with us because he is very demanding with himself and are helping him as well, trying to work with him and make improvements to his game.’

Team-mate Ezri Konsa added: ‘‘For the club it’s really important. He scores goals and wins us games. To have him extend his contract would be really important for us.’

Watkins will hope to fire Villa to victory at Wolves on Sunday before trying to force his way on to the pitch for England’s friendly against Australia and the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.

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