Liverpool are preparing a bid for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins as Arne Slot eyes his first big move.
The new Reds boss is ready to go after the England striker, who has just enjoyed his best season to date, scoring 27 times in all competitions as the Midlands outfit made the Champions League. Interest in Watkins has risen and, despite him only signing a long-term deal in October, Liverpool are readying a move.
The Sun reports that they see the Villa man as the ideal replacement for Darwin Nunez, who continues to underwhelm at Anfield. The Uruguayan ended the season with 11 goals but his finishing continues to cop regular criticism with Barcelona keen.
Watkins notched 27 in all competitions and is hugely admired by Slot, who has recently been announced as Jurgen Klopp's successor. A prolific No 9 is one of the things on his shortlist and the 28-year-old would fit the bill.
Currently the Villa man is battling with Ivan Toney to be Harry Kane's understudy with England. An impressive Euros could yet see his value and stock rise, which would leave the Villa Park outfit battling to keep Watkins as they prep for a European campaign.
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Watkins moved to Villa from Brentford for an original club-record fee of £28million. He's since proved his worth and would command a hefty profit with Unai Emery having to look at potential alternatives incase the club end up selling their asset.
The Villa man though as shown no desire to leave. When he penned his new deal the striker said: "I feel like this is the best place for me to play my football. I've still got a lot to achieve here."
Patience is wearing thin with Darwin Nunez (Visionhaus/Getty Images)Villa, whose ambitions are crystal clear, have previously warned off interest in their top stars. Arsenal have been keen on Douglas Luiz but the Midlands club have rejected offers and this week tied Emery down to a new five-year deal to keep him in their dugout.
Liverpool meanwhile are set for a potential reshuffle in their final third with questions hanging over a host of their options. Beyond Nunez, Cody Gakpo is another man who needs to consistently deliver, as does Luis Diaz. Mo Salah's long-term future is unclear with his contract winding down and talk of a Saudi switch still swirling.
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