Dean Windass explains why Liverpool will not sign Aston Villa star | OneFootball

Former Premier League midfielder Dean Windass believes that Liverpool will avoid a deal for Ollie Watkins and go for a ‘bigger name’ this summer.

Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on the Aston Villa striker as they consider a summer swoop for the England international.

Windass, however, thinks Liverpool will go for a better player than Watkins, whilst admitting that he has had an excellent season in the Premier League for Villa.

Speaking to the Transfer Tavern, Windass offered his thoughts on Liverpool’s reported interest in Watkins. “I can’t see it happening. He’s done great, he’s done absolutely fantastic.

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“First season in the Premier League, you’re a young boy, you’re going to play every week. Is he going to play at Liverpool?

“I’m not saying he’s a bad player, because he’s done unbelievable since he left Brentford. The proof will be in the pudding, can he do it next year? He’s got 12 goals, which is an unbelievable return for a club like that. I can’t see that happening, if Firmino leaves, I think they’ll go for a better player and a bigger name.”

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

As Windass explains, Liverpool may go for a better player than Watkins if they decide to replace Roberto Firmino in the summer. One player the club have been linked with who could fit that bill is Sevilla centre-forward Youssef En-Nesyri, with Liverpool reportedly interested in the £40m-rated Morrocan international.

En-Nesyri has scored 16 goals in La Liga this season, compared to Watkins’ 12 in the Premier League, whilst also playing over 800 minutes less than Watkins. The Sevilla star has a higher conversation rate than Watkins, whilst he also turns the ball over less and wins a higher percentage of his aerial and ground duels. This shows that he could be the ‘better player’ Liverpool attempt to sign instead of Watkins at the end of the season.