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Reports suggest that imminent Premier League champions Liverpool could reward Arne Slot with a transfer target.
Liverpool are reportedly leading the competition to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins ahead of the summer transfer window.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who maintains strong connections within football, suggests that the 29-year-old is interested in joining the Reds.
Arne Slot is believed to be considering his attacking options and could offer Watkins the opportunity to become the main striker at Anfield.
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Liverpool’s Watkins interest
Reports have indicated that Aston Villa would be willing to consider selling Watkins for offers in the region of £50-60 million.
The England international is reportedly open to a move away from Villa Park, partly due to frustration over playing time since Marcus Rashford's arrival on loan.
Brown stated that Liverpool, along with Arsenal and Manchester United, are interested in Watkins, as he might be allowed to leave Villa in the summer.
The former scout believes that Liverpool's status as imminent Premier League champions gives them an advantage in the pursuit of the England international, particularly if they can offer him a guaranteed starting role.
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“Liverpool have won the league without much pressure,” Brown told Football Insider. “Arsenal fell away and Man City have fallen off a cliff, that won’t be the case next season.
“So they know they will need better options in certain positions, and one of those positions is a centre-forward, because the manager isn’t happy with his options.
“They have a few ideas about which players they’re going to look at, and Ollie Watkins is one.
“The reason for that is he’s different to most strikers at the moment because he always wants to stretch the defence, drift wide and run in behind.
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“That’s what Liverpool want to do, they want players who can threaten in behind.
“When you’re Premier League champions, you always have the upper hand when it comes to transfers, particularly if you can offer a place in the starting XI.
“So if he leaves Villa, there’s no doubt there will be interest, and Liverpool would be the favourites.”
What’s next for Liverpool?
Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s Premier League contest, which could seal their top-flight success.
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