Watford and Bristol City are both expected to reshape their attacks this summer after Championship campaigns left them well short of the promotion race.
Watford finished 16th in the table and struggled badly for consistency in the final third. Bristol ended the season in 12th and are also looking at ways to add more physicality and goals up front before another push for the Premier League.
Against that backdrop, South America is increasingly becoming a market both clubs are exploring for value and immediate impact.
One of the names now emerging on their radar is Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros.
Colombian powerhouse on the cards
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, both Watford and Bristol are monitoring the Colombian ahead of the summer window and could formalise approaches in the coming months.
Viveros has become one of the breakout forwards in Brazil this year. The 25-year-old currently leads the league scoring charts with eight goals and has quickly turned himself into one of Athletico’s most important players.
The Brazilian side, however, are already trying to protect themselves against growing transfer interest.
RTI Esporte state Athletico currently value the striker at around £10m (€11.7m), although there is a feeling internally that his market price could rise even further if he maintains his form through the rest of the season.
Athletico already resisting pressure
Kevin Viveros only arrived at Athletico last year, but he has rapidly become central to manager Odair Hellmann’s side.
The striker’s aggressive pressing, physical strength and efficiency inside the box have made him a fan favourite in Curitiba. Nicknamed “El Tren” (Spanish for “The Train”), he has added far more than goals alone, regularly creating space for teammates and setting the tone without the ball.
Athletico’s hierarchy reportedly see him as a strategic asset rather than a player they are eager to cash in on.
The report claims the club have already rejected sizeable approaches, including one close to £12.8m (€15m), as president Mario Celso Petraglia wants to avoid losing his leading forward during a season in which Athletico still believe they can compete strongly domestically.
There is also concern internally about how difficult replacing him would be mid-season in Brazil.
Contract talks could become important
Athletico are now discussing a possible contract renewal with Kevin Viveros in an attempt to strengthen their negotiating position.
The idea would be to improve his salary, extend his deal and increase financial protections before European interest accelerates further.
That interest is not only coming from England either. RTI Esporte mention recent speculation involving Brazilian giants Flamengo, Corinthians and Cruzeiro, although no move progressed.
Viveros looks physically suited to Championship football, arrives with confidence and momentum, and is producing numbers that immediately stand out in one of South America’s strongest leagues.
Let’s see if the admiration turns into action for either Watford or Bristol City.
