Aston Villa are planning a bid for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins.

A new striker is top of Villa's shopping list this transfer window and manager Dean Smith, who signed Watkins when he was Brentford manager, believes the 24-year-old would be a big success in the Premier League, says Sky Sports.

Sheffield United and Crystal Palace are also interested in Watkins but Brentford want a deal worth £25m, which is likely to dissuade the Blades from making a move.

Watkins is keen to work again with his former boss Smith at Villa Park.

Brentford are braced for offers for a number of their best players, notably Watkins and their other star forward Said Benrahma, after missing out on promotion to Fulham in the play-off final.