Liverpool could strike GENIUS swap deal to land No9 upgrade

It promises to be a summer of big change around Anfield.

Liverpool look set to enter the transfer market with targets being looked at in several positions. Most pressingly, Liverpool require a new No9 as an improvement on both Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.

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Jota has only scored SIX Premier League goals all season and has suffered once again due to injury. Nunez, meanwhile, has struck only five times in the league and seems certain to be among the first players sold this summer.

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Liverpool drove a hard bargain for the Uruguayan in January with Saudi bids for the forward falling short.

There looks to be no doubt that appropriate bids will be considered for each striker at the end of the season, with Jota’s uncertain contract situation also coming into focus.

The 28-year-old is out of contract in 2027 and with time ticking down on his Anfield stay his value may start to plummet.

Ollie Watkins uncertainty

A recent report suggested that the Reds would seek between £42 million and £47m for his services this summer with Newcastle, Wolves and Aston Villa among his suitors.

And the presence of Villa in that list opens up the intriguing possibility of a swap deal which could benefit all parties.

Ollie Watkins was previously the subject of interest from most of the Premier League’s top sides but has suffered a dip of late.

The arrival of Marcus Rashford on loan has jeopardised his starting place under Unai Emery and the England man expressed his dissatisfaction over his fortunes following Champions League elimination against Paris Saint-Germain.

Let's swap Jota for Watkins

Nonetheless, Liverpool were added to the list of interested parties with the club potentially sniffing out the possibility of a bargain deal.

With prices for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike reaching dizzying proportions, Watkins on an exchange deal looks tempting.

Under contract until 2028, the 28-year-old might well be available for less than in previous summers. He is still possessed of Premier League pedigree; 15 goals and seven assists this season are figures that Liverpool’s current options can only dream of.

But if Villa are looking for a forward with Jota’s profile - and Liverpool seeking Watkins - then now might be the time to explore a swap.

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With FSG reluctant to splash the cash, an exchange deal - even with a small transfer fee involved - might end up being a preferable option.