Don Hutchison believes Aston Villa player would be good for Liverpool, not Jack Grealish

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Don Hutchison has told Optus Sport’s The Review Show that he believes Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins would be a good signing for Liverpool ahead of the summer window – after Watkins netted during Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Watkins, 25, has enjoyed a wonderful first season in the Premier League – scoring 12 goals and creating three more during his time in the top flight, following his £28million (BBC) move to Villa Park from Championship side Brentford last summer.

Not only has he been excellent for Villa, he has also earned his first England call-up and coming on as a substitute against San Marino last month – Watkins scored England’s fifth during a comfortable win at Wembley. He is earning rave reviews.

On Saturday, Watkins gave Villa the lead against Liverpool. Collecting the ball 16 yards out, his shot was straight at Alisson – but the Brazilian failed to keep it out. Ex-Everton manb Hutchison believes Watkins would be a good signing for Liverpool.

“I think he’d do well in a Liverpool shirt, Ollie Watkins. I think he’s an exceptional player,” Hutchison said on Optus Sport. Watkins has a contract at Aston Villa until the summer of 2025, having only joined the club a year ago.

TBR’s view – Do Liverpool need a striker this summer?

Divock Origi’s future at Anfield is in doubt. Linked with Aston Villa at times, the Belgian is expected to depart in the summer as he continues to struggle for game time at Liverpool. Watkins would be a good replacement for Origi.

But does he get into the Liverpool side above Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane? No. If one of those three are injured or need to come off, does Jurgen Klopp turn to Watkins or Diogo Jota? Jota. So, Watkins would struggle for game time.

That lack of game time and momentum would see Watkins’ form and confidence deteriorate – but not only that, Liverpool would hardly spend a big-money fee on a player that is going to warm the bench. If he cost Villa £28million, they will want double.