Everton could add another fine striker to their armoury…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, he believes Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is still up for grabs and given the Toffees' recent interest, they could make a late swoop.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips claimed: “Ollie Watkins, by the way, I’m definitely not ruling out. I think he’s still on the table, and I think Villa would be open to selling him.

“There’s something there with him and Steven Gerrard. I’m not sure they completely see eye-to-eye, so that one, I think, could still be done.”

He could replace DCL

As much as he has become a cult hero figure at Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury woes have started to become insurmountable.

Having scored 16 goals during the 2020/21 season, his many fitness concerns have meant he has struggled to reach these heights once again.

It therefore could be time to move on, as he once again battles with injury at the start of this season.

His replacement could be another English striker, who actually fits a very similar profile in terms of work rate and goal-scoring style. Their main difference is that whilst Calvert-Lewin dominates in the air, outlined in his ranking in the top 4% for aerials won, Watkins offers more with his feet.

By signing the £75k-per-week ace, it could mark a change in style toward more free-flowing football.

This season he has boasted an 84% pass success rate, assisting twice in just four starts.

His goal scoring has been solid throughout his career, with 26 Premier League goals and a further nine assists in 77 Premier league matches. His proficiency in front of goals at times has led to him being labelled a “beast” by Villa ambassador Ian Taylor.

He also marks a slight improvement on Calvert-Lewin due to his versatility, as he has featured plenty of times off both wings too.

Although it may be tough to admit, now might be the perfect time to move on from the former Sheffield United man and explore new striking avenues.