Watkins 27 has only scored in three games of his 11 appearances across all competitions this season but it was the second time he netted three in one as Villa won 6-1 against Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Watkins’ contract at Villa Park expires at the end of next season and talks have reportedly been held with the ex-Brentford striker since the start of May [The Athletic].
Fabrizio Romano reported via his Daily Briefing on Sunday (1 October) that Villa “keep pushing to extend his contract as soon as possible” after his triple-threat show against the Seagulls.
Amid the urgency to tie Watkins to a new deal, Hutton has urged Aston Villa to keep hold of the in-form centre-forward.
“All teams are on the lookout for strikers, whether it be for January or the summer,” Hutton told Villa News.
“Personally, I think Watkins fits Aston Villa really well with the way they want to play.
“He scores the goals and it must be a great boost in confidence.
“Danny Ings left to make Watkins the main man. Jhon Duran’s come in and he’s shown good promise moving forward so he’s going to push Watkins but obviously I’d like to see him stay.
“I think Villa are really building something special, they’re moving in the right direction with a good manager.
“Watkins is a huge part of that so I was really happy for him to get the three goals and you want him to just kick on now.
“If he keeps playing that way, you’re knocking on the door of England and that’s probably his aim this season.”
In other Aston Villa news, Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest on Watkins’ situation at Villa Park as vultures circle.
