Pete O’Rourke would be surprised if Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins left the club during the transfer window.

What’s the word?

The journalist was speaking to This is Futbol regarding news of the striker's future, saying:

“I’d be very surprised if Villa would even consider letting Ollie Watkins go. He’s been a good signing for them since he arrived from Brentford.

“Maybe he doesn’t score as many goals as people would hope, but he offers so much more to the team as well with his work ethic and how hard he works up front as well.”

This could give Steven Gerrard a welcome boost, as he will require all the firepower he can get in order to improve the side's recent results.

A boost for Gerrard?

Gerrard will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure following Villa’s poor start to the Premier League campaign, winning only three points from nine. Therefore, the idea of keeping Watkins around should be a boost to everyone associated with the Villans.

They have only scored three times, with the England international being involved in all three (one goal and two assists) and his importance to the team going forward shouldn’t be underestimated.

Since arriving in the Midlands from Brentford in a £28m deal, he has scored 28 goals and registered nine assists in 79 matches, a solid return.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs stated that Crystal Palace and Leeds United were keen on signing the striker and the 42-year-old manager will be determined to keep him.

It's not just his goals that are important to the side. He created four big chances in the league last season as well as making on average, one key pass per match, creating opportunities for others whenever possible.

Compared to the other attacking options at Villa (Philippe Coutinho, Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, and Emiliano Buendia) Watkins made the most crosses last season with 23 and had the highest percentage of shots on target with 40.3%, proving that his game doesn’t just rely on goals and his all-round ability is outstanding.

At this stage of the window, unless a massive offer arrives for the player, it's unlikely Johan Lange and co will sell the 26-year-old. If he carries on impressing like he has done in the opening three games so far, he could propel Villa to a top-half finish, meaning it is undoubtedly a boost for the manager that there seems to be little plan to sell him in the current window.