Transfer News: Liverpool interested in signing Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa
According to the Liverpool Echo, Ollie Watkins could be on his way out of Aston Villa as Liverpool are eager to sign the forward this summer.
Watkins, who joined Aston Villa from Brentford last season, scored 14 goals for the Villans as he helped them to an 11th placed finish in the Premier League.
Liverpool are interested in signing a forward this summer, especially an out-and-out forward who can act as the central figure in the attack. Although the Reds already have the likes of Diogo Jota, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Divock Origi in the forward role, they want to add more quality depth into the squad – something Watkins could certainly provide.
Liverpool’s pressing system would favour Watkins and the Reds could certainly do with the forward’s goals. However, luring Watkins away from Villa might not be so straightforward, especially this summer.
The Villans are facing the prospect of losing star winger Jack Grealish to Manchester City this summer, and Dean Smith would certainly not want to lose two of his marquee players in the same window. Additionally, Watkins was Aston Villa’s top goal-scorer last season, courtesy of which they might charge a hefty fee for the forward.
However, Liverpool, who have already wrapped up the signing of Ibrahima Konate this summer are keen on making more additions to the squad, especially in the midfield and forward roles.
Besides Watkins, the Reds have also been interested in Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, Juventus’ Federico Chiesa, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, and Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, but the club are yet to make any progress on signing any of these players.
Jurgen Klopp would want to fight for the Premier League crown again, and signing Ollie Watkins will only increase Liverpool’s chances of doing so this season.
