Ollie Watkins has signed a new long-term contract at Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has made a prolific start to the 2023-24 season, scoring seven times - including two hat-tricks - in 12 appearances across all competitions so far.
Watkins's treble in Villa's 6-1 drubbing of Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend saw him become the first Villa player to score two hat-tricks in a single campaign since Andy Gray in the 1970s.
The striker's form earned him a recall to the England squad for the October internationals, and he has now been handed a new long-term deal at Villa Park.
"It's definitely been a memorable week for me and one that I'll never forget. I'm very grateful that I have a lot of good people around me and a lot of good people at the club," he told the club's official website.
"I'm so happy and glad that a lot of people here have been on the journey with me. It's a great day and it's been a great week.
Our striker, signed and sealed. 😍
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 6, 2023
Congratulations, Ollie! 👏 pic.twitter.com/5lr6TZLCsG
"I'm really happy. I feel like this is the best place for me to play my football; I've still got a lot to achieve here.
"I feel like I've had a really good connection with the fans since I've come here. From day one they've been really good with me; we've had highs and lows but that's football. You can see the direction of the club, and I want to be a part of that."
Watkins's previous contract was not due to expire until 2025, but Villa have moved to tie him down beyond that amid reported interest from Chelsea.
The exact length of the contract has not been specified by the club, but it is thought to be a five-year deal that will keep him at Villa Park until 2028.
The hat-trick against Brighton also took Watkins up to 50 goals for Villa, reaching that tally in 127 games across all competitions - including 44 goals in 116 Premier League outings.
Watkins began his professional career with League Two side Exeter City and also spent time on loan in the National League South with Weston-Super-Mare, before joining Brentford and ultimately earning his move to the Premier League with Villa.
Barney Corkhill
