Robbie Fowler names his choice for Liverpool’s new striker signing but admits he ‘doesn’t really fit the model’

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Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer as they prepare to move on from Darwin Nunez.

Nunez has had a turbulent three years with the Reds and after failing to deliver on a consistent basis he looks likely to be sold.

While Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz remain good options for Arne Slot, it’s clear that Liverpool are ready for new era at number nine.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been heavily linked having had another 20 plus goal season in the Premier League.

However, getting Isak is going to incredibly costly – if he’s available at all – meaning Liverpool may have to pivot to other targets.

One man who is well placed to comment on candidates is Robbie Fowler, one of the greatest goal scorers in Liverpool history. And having ruled Isak out of the running, Fowler has backed the Reds to sign a different Premier League striker instead.

Robbie Fowler urges Liverpool to sign Ollie Watkins

The names who Liverpool could target instead of Isak are already well known. The likes of Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are all on the market.

Liverpool scouts saw Sesko score an outrageous goal on Saturday as the 21-year-old underlined his vast potential.

But according to Fowler, the Reds should overlook that prolific trio and focus their efforts on Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins instead.

“The problem is clubs know that they are potentially on the lookout for a number nine, so the prices will become silly,” the Liverpool legend explained to The i.

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“If you look at Isak, he’s going to be £100m plus easily. He’s a wonderful player, but Liverpool may not want to pay that, and they’ll look around.

“You could look at Ollie Watkins,” Fowler adds. “He doesn’t really fit the model in terms of what Liverpool want, given his age, but I’d go and get him for a couple of years because he’s a tremendous player and established and experienced in the Premier League.”

Could Liverpool target Watkins?

Fowler is right in that at 29, Watkins would not ordinarily be someone who Liverpool look at in the market. However, bringing the Villa striker in would not be the worst idea.

Watkins was reportedly offered to Arsenal in January, meaning the Midlands club may be open to selling him at the right price.

Having scored at least 15 Premier League goals in each of the past three seasons, Watkins certainly is well established in the division and would not need any kind of period of adaptation.

The former Brentford man is also an established England international and now has experience of the Champions League latter stages.

Watkins would not come cheap, but in the context of Isak’s price, he would be relative bargain. Nevertheless, while Fowler’s suggestion certainly has credence, we can’t see Liverpool shelling out on a player who will be 30 in December.