Liverpool make Ollie Watkins approach as Rashford update drops at Aston Villa
Aston Villa are preparing for potential exits as they add more players to their ranks ahead of the new Premier League season.
Unai Emery already has a new goalkeeper in Marco Bizot, who joined the Villans from Brest for an undisclosed fee.
However, that could signal the end of Emi Martinez’s Aston Villa stay, with the Argentine linked with Manchester United.
Now, there have been fresh reports surrounding the futures of Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford.
Liverpool widen striker search amid Watkins and Rashford update
It feels like Watkins has been linked with every top Premier League club as he faces an uncertain future at Villa Park.
The 29-year-old finished the 2024/25 season as the West Midlands club’s top scorer, with 17 goals in all competitions.
Watkins often faced competition in attack last season, with Jhon Duran and then Rashford utilised by Emery.
However, both Rashford and Watkins could be on the move this summer, with several clubs linked with their services.
Now, Liverpool have asked about Watkins as an alternative to Alexander Isak, according to the Daily Mail (15 July).
Newcastle are adamant that Isak is not for sale this summer, despite the astronomical fees being floated around.
Another surprising name on Liverpool’s list is Rashford, although that initial conversation has not progressed so far.
The United man is free to leave Old Trafford this summer and has also been linked with a move to Barcelona.
Aston Villa would miss Watkins, while Rashford set for new path
Given Watkins’ contributions over the years for Villa, he would certainly be missed in the West Midlands.
The striker has 129 goal contributions in 223 appearances for the Villans and has demonstrated his value to the Premier League club in spades.
If he were to leave Villa Park, then he would need to be replaced with a goalscorer, although Villa should be able to garner a significant fee for Watkins.
As for Rashford, a Villa return seems highly unlikely given the number of other clubs he has been linked with.
Furthermore, the 27-year-old has substantial wages which the Villans would find near impossible to pay over a prolonged period.
Both could be set for pastures new this summer in what would be two of the most eye-catching deals of the window.
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