Liverpool have asked about the conditions of a possible summer deal for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, BBC Sport journalist Joe Rindl has revealed.
The Premier League winners have reportedly earmarked the England international as another option in their striker search, alongside Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
While Isak remains the primary target following an initial approach to Newcastle, the Reds are facing a difficult round of negotiations as they try to convince the Magpies to sell their top goalscorer.
Although they are expected to turn their attention to Ekitike if the pursuit of Isak fails, Watkins appears to have emerged as another option for Arne Slot and could be far more attainable this summer.
Liverpool Make Ollie Watkins Enquiry
Among striker options being considered
According to Rindl, Liverpool have enquired about several potential alternatives to Isak and Ekitike in recent weeks, including Watkins and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
The Reds are also aware of the possibility that Real Madrid could sell Rodrygo, who remains a left-wing target for Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Watkins, meanwhile, was heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park in January and is believed to be valued by the West Midlands club at over £50m this summer.
The ‘world-class’ England international remains Unai Emery’s first-choice striker, having enjoyed another strong Premier League campaign in 2024/25, scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists in 38 games.
Liverpool are believed to be working on several deals at the moment, with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi’s move expected to be completed soon.
The 24-year-old centre-back will reportedly join the Reds once Palace secure a replacement, with Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande being targeted.
|
Ollie Watkins’ Aston Villa Stats (2024/25 Premier League) |
|
|
Games |
38 |
|
Goals |
16 |
|
Assists |
8 |
|
Goal-creating actions |
12 |
|
Minutes played |
2,598 |
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Statistics courtesy of Fbref and Transfermarkt. Correct as of 17-07-25.
