Aston Villa READY to sign out of favour Liverpool star

This summer will likely see a number of fan favourites leave Anfield in what could be an era-defining transfer window.

Arne Slot and Richard Hughes have had almost 12 months to assess the current Liverpool squad, and they are now ready to reshape it.

READ MORE: Liverpool now in talks to FINALLY land 23-goal striker

Only one name, Federico Chiesa, has actually been added to the Reds’ squad since Jurgen Klopp stepped down at the end of last season, but that will change this summer.

After a massively successful first season, Slot and Hughes are now ready to make this Liverpool squad their own, and that means sales as well as signings.

Now, a new potential destination has emerged for one of Liverpool’s stars.

Aston Villa join the race for Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota is one of a number of high-profile stars that are expected to leave Anfield in the summer, as was exclusively revealed by Anfield Watch earlier this year.

A number of club’s have emerged as potential suitors for the 28-year-old, and a report form Empire of the Kop named Villa as an interested party.  

READ MORE: Liverpool star now on brink of transfer U-TURN

Unai Emery’s side will be looking to strengthen a side that reached the quarter-final of the Champions League, and Jota’s reported price tag of £47 million has piqued their interest.

The striker’s former club Wolves are also reportedly interested, alongside Newcastle who could see the Portugal international used as a makeweight in a deal for Alexander Isak.

Why Liverpool are ready to move on from Jota

Despite starting seven of Liverpool’s opening eight Premier League fixtures, Jota has failed to nail down a starting place since returning from an injury he sustained in the Reds’ home victory over Chelsea in October.

Jota has only started five of the 15 Premier League games he has appeared in since his return, and four goals and one assist in that time has not been enough to convince Slot.

Despite relatively lacklustre performances from Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, his two main competitors for the striker spot this campaign, Jota has repeatedly failed to seize his opportunity and now finds his position at Anfield vulnerable.

£47 million would represent a decent return on the £41 million the Reds paid for Jota back in 2020, and with a new striker in his sights, it would be difficult for Hughes to turn down making a profit on a player who has had minimal impact this season.

READ MORE: The THREE players Liverpool will sign instead of Alexander Isak

Diogo Jota’s time in Merseyside is almost certainly coming to an end, and Aston Villa’s interest could see him head back to the West Midlands this summer.