Liverpool have reportedly identified a new striker target for the summer transfer window in the shape of Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins.
The Reds are on the cusp of winning Premier League title number two as they hold a 13-point lead over Arsenal at the summit, meaning that victory over Leicester City on Sunday would be enough if the Gunners are stunned by Ipswich Town.
Arne Slot has mainly had Mohamed Salah to thank for Liverpool's astounding Premier League season, as the Egypt international has contributed a record-breaking 45 direct involvements, the most ever for a 38-game campaign in the competition.
However, both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have failed to cut the mustard in the number nine position, and there is an expectation that Liverpool will go after a new centre-forward in the summer window.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak has been touted as a top target, but the Magpies could demand in excess of £150m to let him to, while Arsenal seem to be leading Liverpool in the race for Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres.
Liverpool 'turn attention' to Watkins deal
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Instead, Football Insider reports that the Reds are now paying close attention to the situation of Villa's Watkins, who was apparently the subject of a failed £40m bid from Arsenal in January.
The England international was battling Jhon Duran for weekly starts in the first half of the season, but the latter's January move to Al-Nassr would seemingly lead to him becoming an undisputed starter again.
However, Watkins has started just one of Villa's last five matches in all competitions and was overlooked for a spot in the first XI in both Champions League quarter-final clashes with Paris Saint-Germain.
Unai Emery reinforced his attacking ranks with the January loan signings of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, and the latter could join in a permanent £40m deal from Manchester United this summer.
If Rashford does make the switch to Villa Park for good, the report adds that the Lions could be open to selling Watkins, whose future may hinge on the on-loan Man United man.
However, the Lions are well-placed to demand a sizeable fee given that they have Watkins under contract until the summer of 2028, having tied him down to a long-term extension in late 2023.
The 29-year-old has come up with 85 goals and 40 assists in 216 matches in a Villa shirt so far, including 15 strikes and 12 helpers from 47 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign.
What does the future hold for Nunez, Jota?
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Whether Slot is prepared to let both Nunez and Jota depart in one window is another question entirely, but if either one is to head for the exit door, the Uruguayan is the most likely to seek pastures new.
Nunez supposedly saw a proposed move to the Saudi Pro League blocked in January, but clubs in the Middle East could try again for the South American this summer, where Liverpool are expected to be receptive to bids.
Meanwhile, Jota has been linked with a shock move to a Big Six Premier League rival, having only managed six Premier League goals during an injury-hit and disappointing 2024-25 season.
Ben Knapton
