Aston Villa are reportedly making strategic contingency plans amidst growing speculation surrounding the future of their prolific striker, Ollie Watkins, as the summer transfer window approaches its critical phase.

Despite the club’s strong desire to retain the England international, sources indicate that Villa officials are bracing for the possibility of a substantial bid that could prove too lucrative to decline before the September 1st deadline.

In anticipation of such a high-profile exit, the Birmingham-based club has identified Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a primary target to fill the void that Watkins’ departure would create.

While Aston Villa is not actively pursuing Jackson at this moment, their sustained interest in the talented Chelsea star underscores their proactive approach to securing top-tier talent for their Premier League campaign.

The landscape of the English football transfer market is dynamic, with various clubs reportedly vying for Watkins’ signature. Although Arsenal has seemingly redirected their focus, Newcastle United remains a significant competitor in this high-stakes race.

GIVEMESPORT sources suggest a compelling scenario: any club failing to secure the highly sought-after Benjamin Sesko could swiftly pivot their attention towards securing the services of Ollie Watkins, intensifying the transfer speculation.

Ultimately, while Aston Villa’s hierarchy remains committed to keeping their star striker, their meticulous preparation, including the identification of Nicolas Jackson, highlights a pragmatic strategy to navigate the unpredictable nature of the transfer window.