STEVIE G: OLLIE STAYS AT VILLA

NEIL MOXLEY

STEVEN GERRARD has slapped a ‘Not-for-sale’ notice on Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa’s boss has quashed chat that the club’s leading goalscorer will be allowed to quit Villa Park this summer.

Watkins has found the net 10 times for his club, six fewer than his first campaign since his £33million move from Brentford

And the rumour-mill has kicked into overdrive, suggesting West Ham are poised to mount a bid.

But Gerrard refuses to even consider losing the 26-year-old forward.

He said: “Ollie’s going nowhere, we love him. We really enjoy working with him. We need goalscorers and we need top players – and Ollie Watkins is a top player.

“We’re delighted with him, so, it’s a straight

‘No’ from us.”

Watkins (above) has broken into the England set-up during his time at Villa Park, but he was given a jolt after Danny Ings arrived.

However, Gerrard sees his versatility as a key reason as to why he is going nowhere and thinks Three Lions chief Gareth Southgate can take advantage of that, too.

He said: “I think Ollie’s capable of playing as a left forward, a nine and he’s naturally rightfooted, so he can do it from there.

“People were telling me he couldn’t play alongside Danny Ings. For me, he can be a focal point on his own.

“But you can never switch off because he’s so effective out of position.

“His numbers have been affected this season because he’s been all about the team.

“He’s been more consistent of late because he may have been more selfish in front of goal. He’s been rewarding himself for all his good work.

“I judge forwards by what they give you in and out of possession. For me, he ticks both boxes.

“I know he’s capable of getting the numbers, he proved that last year.”