Ex-Liverpool fan favourite linked with stunning PL return as Leeds, Aston Villa and two others ramp up interest

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Divock Origi of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with Sadio Mane of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Watford FC at Anfield on February 27, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Leeds United and Aston Villa are reportedly set to battle for ex-Liverpool striker Divock Origi this summer, while Crystal Palace and West Ham are also credited with an interest.

The Belgium international left Anfield for AC Milan at the end of last season on a free transfer but has failed to overtake Olivier Giroud as the club’s first-choice striker.

As a result, it is claimed that Origi would be open to a return to the Premier League, with Leeds and Villa firmly in the race for his signature.

That is according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercatowho claim that the duo are joined by Palace and West Ham in pursuit of the 27-year-old.

Origi played 175 games in total for Liverpool, scoring 41 goals in the process and playing his role in one title-winning campaign, a Champions League victory and also helping his team to lift one FA Cup and a League Cup.

However, since his arrival in Milan, the striker has netted just twice in 26 appearances, with Origi only making Stefano Pioli’s starting XI twice.

READ MORE: Leeds beat Man Utd to striker signing as Victor Orta ‘completes’ impressive coup

Four-way battle incoming for ‘world-class’ Origi

Despite signing Georginio Rutter for a club record fee of £35.5m in JanuaryLeeds have been linked with several centre-forwards recently, as Javi Gracia looks to bolster his front line ahead of next season.

Indeed, their current squad clearly isn’t good enough, with the Whites currently sitting third-bottom of the Premier League table and in real danger of dropping into the Championship.

It seems very unlikely that Origi would be willing to join a second-tier side if Leeds do go down (and the same goes for West Ham and Crystal Palace), so their pursuit of the striker hinges upon their Premier League status.

On the other hand, that is unlikely to be a problem for Aston Villa, who have been in good form since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as manager.

Ollie Watkins has been key to their recent success, netting seven goals in his last nine Premier League games.

But, if Calcio Mercato’s report is to be believed, it seems Emery is eyeing another forward to help Villa climb the table next season.

Origi certainly proved during his time at Liverpool that he can score goals consistently in the Premier League and also had a habit of getting late goals in big matches – making him hugely popular with the Anfield faithful.

Jurgen Klopp has previously described the forward as ‘world-class,’ so he could prove to be an excellent addition for Leeds, Villa, Palace or West Ham, if one of them can finalise a deal for Origi this summer.

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