Jarrod Bowen: All you need to know about Liverpool target
Liverpool's chances of completing a deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins may have received a boost on Wednesday evening. Villa have confirmed the surprise signing of Southampton ace Danny Ings as Dean Smith continues to reel in attacking reinforcements.
Jurgen Klopp could be eyeing a new striker. (Image: GETTY)
According to Goal, Jurgen Klopp wants a new forward this summer, and Liverpool are suitors of Watkins.
Well, Ings' Villa Park arrival may have opened the door for the Reds to pursue their interest in the frontman, who is valued at around £29m by Transfermarkt.
Ings' £30m fee is a lot of money to splash on a back-up option, so the England international is expected to start regularly.
Certainly his pedigree would have likely seen him request a high standing in Dean Smith's squad.
Unless Watkins is being pushed over to the left wing to replace Villa's Manchester City-bound captain Jack Grealish, where will he fit?
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You could easily argue Smith will be trialling a two-striker system this season, partnering Ings and Watkins up.
However, the Villains have showcased their usual 4-2-3-1 formation throughout pre-season.
More notably, Smith has started with two strikers just three times in his last four seasons at Villa and Brentford.
It would be bizarre to see a sudden change in formation as soon as the new campaign starts, especially given Villa's other attacking signings seem built for 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
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Ollie Watkins enjoyed an impressive debut Premier League season. (Image: GETTY)