Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has given the thumbs up to his old side bringing in a new striker this summer.

This season, Ollie Watkins has been the first-choice No.9 at the Midlands club and has led the line well, with the 25-year-old managing to get his name on the scoresheet last time out against Fulham - his 11th league goal.

Nevertheless, Villa could still move for a centre-forward in the next transfer window. According to The Telegraph, there is a desire at Villa Park to provide Watkins with some serious competition for the 2021/22 campaign.

It remains to be seen who the Premier League outfit end up bidding for, but the decision to target a striker in the first place is the right move for Hendrie.

On the rumours that Villa are likely to buy a new No.9 this summer, the retired midfielder told FFC:

"I think sometimes when you're in a position where you haven't really got to look over your shoulder and see who's coming in, if you're having a bad game or you're not scoring goals [it can be a problem].

"I think that [competition] is healthy in a football club. I really do because it gets people on their toes, it gets reactions out of players. If you're not playing well, you know the next man is coming in, so it keeps everyone on their toes and that's important, it's really important.

"Ollie Watkins has had a free season if you like, you know, there's been injuries to Wesley, who's struggling to get back to full fitness."

As well as bringing in a centre-forward, The Telegraph reports that Villa could also add a winger to their squad as owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens look to fully back manager Dean Smith.