Arne Slot has identified his next target as Liverpool ‘ready’ audacious Aston Villa swoop

The Reds’ new manager, Arne Slot, is said to have pinpointed Watkins as a priority target as he looks to make a marquee signing in his first window at Anfield.

Watkins, who joined Villa from Brentford for a fee of £30 million in 2020, has just enjoyed his best season to date. The 28-year-old scored 19 goals and made 13 assists in 37 Premier League matches. He also netted eight times in 12 UEFA Europa Conference League games, including the qualifying round.

The Sun and The Mirror both report Slot sees Watkins as the ideal replacement for Darwin Nunez, whom he has doubts over following no goals in the last 10 outings. Nunez scored 11 times in 36 Premier League matches in total, not hitting the heights expected of him – especially given the immense service he’s provided with.

It’s claimed Liverpool are preparing an official bid for Watkins in an attempt to pry him away from Villa’s grasp. It’s hoped the giant pull of Liverpool will be enough to convince the player to transfer.

Villa won’t let Watkins leave

But Unai Emery’s side will stand firm in their desire to keep Watkins, who only signed a new bumper, long-term contract last autumn. At the time, the striker put all transfer speculation at rest as he said: “I feel like this is the best place for me to play my football. I’ve still got a lot to achieve here.”

Following Villa’s qualification for the Champions League, there’s not much reason for Watkins to even consider departing for pastures new. In his prime and loving life in B6, the attacker is expected to stay put. If all goes as expected, Slot will have to look elsewhere for his big summer signing.