Liverpool are reportedly considering a move to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer as his future looks increasingly uncertain.
Although the England international has had another impressive season, scoring 17 goals and contributing 11 assists in all competitions for club and country, he’s fallen out of favour with Unai Emery in recent games.
Watkins’ form hasn’t been quite as impressive lately, and it’s seen him lose his place to on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
According to Football Insider, this could see Watkins look for a move out of Villa Park this summer, with Liverpool closely monitoring him as an alternative to Alexander Isak.
Liverpool turn their attention to potential Ollie Watkins transfer swoop
The report from Football Insider notes that Arsenal failed with a bid for Watkins in January, though it remains to be seen if the Gunners could try again for the 29-year-old.
For now, it seems Liverpool are showing the strongest interest, with the Reds in need of a clinical new centre-forward next season.
Darwin Nunez has mostly been a big disappointment during his time at Anfield, and it seems likely that Arne Slot would view him as a weak link that needs to be replaced.
Watkins is a proven clinical goal-scorer at this level, so could be ideal, especially if he’s now unsettled at Villa and looking for a move this summer.
One imagines Villa wouldn’t normally have made it easy for clubs to sign an important player like Watkins, but it seems that his situation has changed.
Newcastle front-man Isak would undoubtedly be the dream signing for LFC, but it’s perhaps not surprising that the Merseyside giants are having to look at other options.
Watkins might not be the most long-term solution due to his age, but he could surely be a good option to give Liverpool an upgrade on Nunez for perhaps two or three years.
