Championship

QPR join Leeds in Watkins race

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Queens Park Rangers have joined the race to sign highly-rated Exeter forward Ollie Watkins this summer, according to Get West London.

The news site report that the Queens Park Rangers are prepared to go head-to-head with their Championship rivals this summer for the signature of the prolific wide man.

Somerset Live had claimed earlier this month that Leeds were in a two-horse race with Bristol City to sign Watkins this summer.

But the latest report that QPR have also entered the race could provide a bitter blow to Leeds’ own pursuit of the star.

The 21-year-old was in stunning form during the 2016-17 season, contributing 16 goals and 13 assists as Exeter narrowly missed out on promotion to League One.

They qualified for the League Two play-offs with a fifth-placed finish, but were beaten 2-1 by Blackpool in the play-off final on Sunday, where Watkins played the full 90 minutes.

But a step up to the Championship for Watkins appears the most logical next step for Watkins, as Leeds, QPR and Bristol City now sit waiting to negotiate a deal.

The Daily Star claimed back in January that Aston Villa were also showing a keen interest in Watkins, but it remains to be seen if Villa Park chief Steve Bruce is still weighing up a move.

Watkins is a versatile forward, and can be deployed both in central and in wider roles, making him a valuable addition to any potential suitor.

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