Watford and Bristol City battling to sign £9m star who’s “the best striker” in his league

Watford and Bristol City are now keen on signing Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros this summer, with the Brazilian side open to a transfer.

Viveros named as “the best striker” in Brazil

Viveros has made a stellar start to the Brazilian Serie A campaign, netting eight goals in his opening 14 matches, while also grabbing one assist, and compatriot Carlos Terán believes the Colombian deserves to go to the World Cup.

Teran said: “I think Viveros is the best striker in the Brasileirão and he has to be in the World Cup. He has to be there because he deserves it, he’s worked really hard to be in this situation now, to be the top scorer in the Brasileirão”.

Barring a very brief spell with FK Sarajevo, the South American has never played in Europe, and he is yet to make an appearance for Colombia at international level, but both Bristol City and Watford could do with bringing in a new centre-forward this summer.

Only one Robins player surpassed the 10-goal mark in the Championship this season, namely Scott Twine, who found the net on 11 occasions, whereas the Hornets’ top scorer was Luca Kjerrumgaard, with the Dane bagging nine.

Sports Boom report the Championship rivals are both interested in signing Viveros this summerwith Athletico Paranaense willing to sanction a departure for around €10m (£9m).

However, the Brazilian side hold the cards at the negotiating table, given that the former FK Sarajevo man remains under contract until 2028.

There is also interest from the MLS and Mexico, but the centre-forward is keen on a move to England, and he is expecting to receive a contract worth around £15,000- £20,000 per week.

Championship play-off format set to change next season

Both Watford and Bristol City will be hoping to mount a play-off push in the 2026-27 campaign, having been in and around the top six in recent years, and there is set to be more places up for grabs.

Starting next season, the play-offs will feature six teams, with EFL chief executive Trevor Birch saying: “Since their introduction in 1986-87, the play–offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special.

“Following several months of discussion with clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion.”

However, the Championship sides will need to get their next managerial appointment right, with the Robins considering a move for Steven Gerrard, while Gino Pozzo has set his sights on a “world-class” manager, who has also been of interest to Chelsea.

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