To see Aston Villa players continue to serve the obsession of other clubs who fail to develop and bring in quality options of their own has become mildly entertaining at this point when it isn't infuriating. Perhaps the constant rumors and speculation involving Villa players leaving B6 will never end.
The latest of such claims has come from former Manchester United player Paul Parker. As shared by Birmingham Live, Parker is extremely excited about the potential of his former club adding Watkins up top. To what must undoubtedly be the pleasure of any and all United faithful, he has given his blessing for the move to happen.
Of course, it makes every sense in the world for United to want Watkins. That can be said for most clubs, particularly those without a high-end striker option at the moment. Watkins joining any side would be a welcome improvement outside of a few select clubs who already have an established, in-form option up top.
That does not then mean that Villa have to play into anyone else's hands or anything of that nature. The club has had a clear intention of keeping and maintaining most, if not all, of the current talent at the club. This continued insistence on an alternate reality in which Villa is being forced to sell off players is beyond ridiculous at this point.
Even more telling, the article shared some of Parker's viewpoint as to why the move would make sense. His words are those of many who have failed to truly follow and assess Watkins' role at Villa last season.
Believed source of tension within Aston Villa
Parker is one of many who find it unbelievable that Watkins didn't see enough time on the pitch. Forget that the England international actually played a high number of minutes. Watkins was dealing with some injuries and was forced to work back into his top form. Then, with the starting 22 approach, Emery left him out of the critical first leg of the Champions League match against PSG, from which the famous disagreement ensued.
One match. Since then, Watkins has stated that he simply wanted to play at the time but that he fully respected Emery's decision.
There is nothing further to discuss. Watkins is an instrumental part of what Villa are building. Going to the disaster in Manchester would be a step down in his career.