Liverpool chase England international after impressive debut Premier League season

Liverpool’s top four hopes were dealt a big blow on Monday as they ere held to a draw by Leeds United at Elland Road, courtesy of a late goal from Diego Llorente that cancelled out Sadio Mane’s first-half opener. 

The result gives Chelsea the opportunity to move further ahead of the Reds, with both clubs still relying on West Ham or Leicester slipping up if they are to have any chance of finishing in the Champions League spots.

Much of the focus ahead of the game at Elland Road was on the proposed European Super League that Liverpool, along with five other Premier League clubs, have already agreed to join.

Fans of both clubs staged protests outside the ground in the build up to the match, and it is believed that similar protests are planned for Chelsea’s game against Brighton on Tuesday evening.

Despite the outrage at the news that broke on Sunday evening, it appears that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is fully focussed on his side’s performances and is already looking ahead to the summer transfer window.

Watkins has started all 30 of Villa’s Premier League games so far this term

According to Football Insider, the reigning Premier League champions are in pursuit of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with a view to making a move for the player when the window opens in June.

The 25-year-old is well known to Liverpool after scoring a hat-trick in the Villains shock 7-2 victory over the Reds in October, and has impressed during his debut season in the top tier.

The report suggests that Klopp’s side have identified Watkins as one of a number of potential targets, as the German looks to bolster his attacking options after a disappointing campaign on all fronts.

Watkins, who scored on his England debut in March, joined Villa lasts summer for a club record fee of £28 million, however his 12 Premier League goals this term have not gone unnoticed and Villa could now face a battle to keep hold of their top scorer.

Whilst it is believed that Liverpool’s interest is in the earliest stages, Watkins could prove to be an affordable option and could suit Klopp’s style of play.