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

Watford and Bristol City are now set to sign Atletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros this summer, with the Brazilian club open to a transfer.

Viveros has been named the “best striker” in Brazil

Viveros has had an excellent start to Brazil’s Serie A campaign, scoring eight goals in his first 14 games and providing one assist, and team-mate Carlos Teran believes the Colombian deserves to go to the World Cup.

Teran says: “I think Viveros is the best striker in Brasileirão and he should be in the World Cup. He should be there because he deserves it, he worked hard to be in this situation now, to be the best goalscorer in Brasileirão”.

Apart from a brief spell with FK Sarajevo, the South American has yet to play in Europe, and is yet to feature for Colombia at international level, but both Bristol City and Watford could do with bringing in a new midfielder this summer.

Only one Robins player has topped 10 points in the Championship this season, namely Scott Twine, who has found the net 11 times, while the Hornets top scorer was Luca Kjerrumgaard, from Denmark with nine.

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

However, the Brazilian team holds the cards at the negotiating table, as the former FK Sarajevo man remains under contract until 2028.

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

The play format will change next season

Both Watford and Bristol City will be hoping for a play-off spot in the 2026-27 campaign, having finished in the top six in recent years, and there will be plenty of places up for grabs.

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

“After several months of discussions with clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident that this change will greatly strengthen the team Bravery as a competition and give many clubs and their supporters a real chance to gain promotion.”

However, Championship sides will need to appoint the next manager, with the Robins considering a move for Steven Gerrard, while Gino Pozzo is eyeing a “world-class” manager, who has also been interested in Chelsea.

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