Aston Villa brace for Liverpool transfer bid for Ollie Watkins as Arne Slot looks to replace Darwin Nunez

ASTON VILLA are preparing for new Liverpool boss Arne Slot to launch a bid for Ollie Watkins.

The striker, whose 19 Prem goals fired Villa into a Champions League spot, only signed a long-term deal in October.

But SunSport understands the England man is admired by Dutchman Slot and Villa face a battle to keep hold of the 28-year-old.

Liverpool have doubts over Darwin Nunez, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Nunez is scoreless in his last ten games for the Reds, who see Watkins as a replacement.

The Uruguayan finished the season with 11 goals and eight assists in 36 Premier League appearances.

Nunez added six more goals and four assists in the Europa League and EFL Cup.

That has left Villa boss Unai Emery scrambling for potential alternatives.

Watkins has scored a career-best 27 goals in all competitions this term, including eight in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.

His form has earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euro 2024 squad.

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But he is battling with Brentford striker Ivan Toney to be Harry Kane’s back-up in Germany.

Watkins hopes to prove himself in warm-ups against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland next week.

He signed a new contract at Villa Park last year, which will run until 2028.

At the time, he said: “I feel this is the best place for me to play football.

“I still have a lot to accomplish here.”

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