---
title: "Dean Windass doesn’t expect Liverpool to pursue Ollie Watkins"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/dean-windass-doesnt-expect-liverpool-to-pursue-ollie-watkins/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-04-22T11:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-04-22T11:00:00Z"
---

# Dean Windass doesn’t expect Liverpool to pursue Ollie Watkins

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass expects [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/22/jamie-redknapp-tells-liverpool-fans-to-be-careful-following-esl-saga/) to pursue ‘bigger names’ than Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.

This follows recent [reports](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-liverpool-interested-in-signing-aston-villa-ace-watkins/) claiming the Reds could make a move for the 25-year-old this summer after the ex-Brentford man made an [impressive start](https://www.sofascore.com/player/ollie-watkins/555386) to life in the top-flight.

Watkins has netted [12 league goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ollie-watkins/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/324358/saison/2020/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/405) in his debut season at the highest level, four of which have come against Jurgen Klopp’s side – including a hat trick in the Villa Park [7-2 demolition](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ollie-watkins/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/324358/saison/2020/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/405)earlier in the campaign.

Despite the promising start and Liverpool’s need for more attacking options, Windass has told [Transfer Tavern](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-fc-news/dean-windass-squashes-claims-linking-liverpool-with-ollie-watkins-e90/) he expects Klopp to look elsewhere this summer.

> He’s done great, he’s done absolutely fantastic. First season in the Premier League, you’re a young boy, you’re going to play every week. Is he going to play at Liverpool? I’m not saying he’s a bad player, because he’s done unbelievable since he left Brentford. The proof will be in the pudding, can he do it next year? He’s got 12 goals, which is an unbelievable return for a club like that. I can’t see that happening, if Firmino leaves, I think they’ll got for a better player and a bigger name.

Watkins was only signed last summer from Championship high-flyers Brentford for a club-record fee of £28m ([BBC](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54080315.amp)).

Having scored on [England debut](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ollie-watkins/nationalmannschaft/spieler/324358/verein_id/3299) earlier this season the 25-year-old has seen his perceived market value rise to £28.8m ([as per Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ollie-watkins/marktwertverlauf/spieler/324358)) since his move to the Midlands.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Liverpool are widely expected to undergo somewhat of a [squad shake-up](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1417630/Jurgen-Klopp-Harvey-Elliott-Blackburn-Rovers-Liverpool-transfer-news-Premier-League-gossip) this summer, both in terms of incoming and outgoings.

Current backup striker [Divock Origi could leave](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/liverpool-transfer-news-seven-exits-suggested-origi-shaqiri-karius) the club and [Roberto Firmino](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/21/virals-roberto-firmino-delivers-pointed-advertising-message/)‘s place as number one choice has come into question.

Watkins would certainly offer much-needed competition, although [one season at the elite level](https://www.premierleague.com/players/8658/Ollie-Watkins/overview)may not be enough to persuade Klopp.