Aston Villa FC Villa Park
Aston Villa FC Villa Park

Liverpool should be trying to sign centre-forward Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa during the upcoming summer transfer window, that’s according to Robbie Fowler.

Ollie Watkins has gained a lot of traction during the ongoing season, scoring 13 goals in 34 Premier League games so far and Fowler believes, the 25-year-old can solve a lot of problems at Anfield next campaign.

“I look at him, and I see a striker who is prepared to learn, prepared to work. In fact, I spotted last year his work rate is incredible, and [Villa boss] Dean Smith says he’s the best pressing centre forward in the league,” Fowler wrote in his Sunday Mirror column.

“To me that’s significant. Because what do the top teams want? A forward who performs a crucial pressing role. Manchester City, Liverpool, United, Chelsea. They all want a striker who performs the press with energy and intelligence, and does more than one job.

“Of course, they’d like one who scores too, but it’s not just about goalscoring any more.

“Far from it. Look at Roberto Firmino at Liverpool, look at City without a recognised number nine, and Chelsea sticking with Werner.

“I’m not trying to sell Watkins – honestly Villa fans! – but he’s taken the step up every time so far, and I can see him doing it again. To the very top level, if he can keep the trajectory of his work rate, attitude and mentality.

“Interestingly, Jurgen Klopp absolutely sang his praises a few weeks ago, and you can definitely see someone with his pressing ability – and the stats to go with it – doing well under that sort of manager.”

Last month, Football Insider had claimed that Liverpool have shown an interest in signing Ollie Watkins and they might make a move in the summer.

 

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That report claimed: “Liverpool are interested in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, Football Insider can reveal.

“A Liverpool source has told Football Insider that the club are keeping tabs on Watkins less than a year after he became Villa’s record signing.”

While no concrete rumours have followed since but the way the England international has performed this season for Aston Villa, there’s every chance that Jurgen Klopp will look to make a move for him in the summer.

Roberto Firmino has been degrading with each passing week and it’s time that Liverpool finally bring in a long-term replacement for the Brazilian. Jota is still settling in and if someone like Mo Salah or Sadio Mane decide to leave at the end of the season then Klopp is undoubtedly going after Ollie Watkins.

The forward still has four years left on his current deal with Aston Villa but if Liverpool can offer a substantial amount then we don’t see why Aston Villa will not be ready to sell.

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