Ollie Watkins reveals furious response to PSG snub as Aston Villa's transfer stance revealed | OneFootball

Ollie Watkins has admitted he was left "fuming" after being snubbed for Aston Villa's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Watkins, who racked up 19 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League last season to help Villa qualify for Europe's top competition, did not start either leg of the quarter-final clash with PSG as on-loan forward Marcus Rashford got the nod instead.

In the build-up to the second leg, Watkins admitted he was frustrated with his recent role as a substitute, and the snub against PSG saw those tensions boil over.

"I was fuming I wasn't playing," he told Sky Sports. "I let [Emery] know that. He's the manager at the end of the day. I respect his decision. But I'm not one of the players happy to sit on the bench.

"It's something I haven't experienced before and then to miss out on the biggest stage, you always want to play, especially in the Champions League. Me and a few others are disappointed we didn't start the game but like I said, it's the manager's decision.

"We did end up beating them but obviously not across both legs. The team played really well but I wanted to be out on the pitch much longer, I wanted to be starting in the important games because I've played a big part to get to where we are today."

The Times state Villa are open to offers for Watkins this summer, having rejected an offer from Arsenal during the January transfer window.

It is believed Arsenal have cooled their interest in the England international, instead focusing their efforts on signing other targets. Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko are two of many under consideration.

Recent speculation has revolved around a possible swap deal involving Rashford and Manchester United.