Aston Villa in line for transfer kitty boost as summer decision proves advantageous to Steven Gerrard

A report claims Aston Villa could receive an extra £15million for their transfer kitty as Keinan Davis aims to impress while on loan at Watford.

Davis spent the second half of last season with Nottingham Forest in the Championship. He made 15 league appearances and scored five goals to help the Reds return to the top flight.

The striker’s spell at Forest was affected by a hamstring problem. He missed the final six matches of the regular campaign due to injury.

Davis returned to fitness in time for the play-offs, although he only played a bit-part role. He came off the bench against Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town as Steve Cooper’s side ended their long wait for Premier League football.

Davis returned to Aston Villa in the summer but never really had a chance of getting in the first team. Manager Steven Gerrard can instead use Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings and youngster Cameron Archer up front.

As such, former England U20 international Davis left Villa Park to pick up more game time elsewhere. And he ended up signing for Championship promotion hopefuls Watford.

They were looking for a new goalscorer following Emmanuel Dennis’ switch to Forest. And Davis subsequently joined on a season-long loan, with the option to buy.

The 24-year-old is yet to register a goal or assist for the Hornets. But this is because his start to the new season has been hampered by illness. This meant he was left out of Watford’s Championship games against Preston, QPR and Middlesbrough, after he made his debut in the season opener versus Birmingham.

Keinan Davis eyeing return to form

Davis is now back in the fold and played 60 minutes during Watford’s recent 2-0 defeat to Blackburn. While it was a disappointing result, Davis made a good impression. The fans were even signing his name at one point, despite the scoreline.

Adam Leventhal of The Athletic has provided an update on Davis’ situation, following the Blackburn clash. He claims Watford’s option to buy Davis is worth between £10million and £15m.

While the forward is yet to open his goalscoring account with them, they are already planning to make his move permanent.

That’s because Watford have a long-term interest in Davis, dating back to his days playing for Stevenage and Biggleswade Town.

Due to this, the second-tier club are happy to match his permanent transfer clause. Watford boss Rob Edwards must feel he and his coaching staff can get the best out of the Englishman this season, now that he is on his way back to full fitness.

Villa receiving £10m-15m for Davis would be exceptional transfer business. They brought him in on a free transfer from Biggleswade Town back in December 2015.

Davis has since played 86 times for the Villans, but only scored six times. It could be argued he has found his level in the Championship, rather than in the Prem.

transfermarkt value Davis at just £2.25m. This demonstrates just how well Villa would be doing to get potentially more than £10m when agreeing his exit.

That extra money in the bank would help Villa massively in their transfer pursuits next year.

Meanwhile, Villa are reportedly battling Newcastle and some European giants for the signing of a Brazilian starlet.