Exclusive: Moyes wants top Villa star

Exclusive by Hughie Southon

David Moyes has been seriously tracking Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in his search to fill the position we need more than any other at the club.

The 26 year old has been the manager’s number one target for some time but sadly he has learned through middle men that the midlands outfit has no intention of selling the former Brentford centre forward.

The club told ClaretandHugh exclusively today that they have no interest in current Bees striker Ivan Toney but Watkins is clearly an entirely  different kettle of fish.

Watkins joined Premier League team Aston Villa on a five-year contract, for a then club-record £28 million fee, which could rise to £33 million.

Since then he has found the net nine times in 33 appearances this season and 16 in 43 last term

However, he is on a five year contract at Villa Park and we were told by a key London Stadium insider: “It’s become clear Villa are not interested in selling the player but that won’t stop us trying.”