OPINION
Leeds United must do what they can to sign Brentford attacker Ollie Watkins this summer after a sensational debut season in the Championship at Griffin Park.
Watkins, 22, is one of many stars in Dean Smith’s young side and he is bound to attract major attention from other clubs in England thanks to his dazzling form over the last year.
This season, the former Exeter attacker scored 11 goals and supplied five assists in 48 appearances across all competitions and given the lack of options out wide that Leeds have at the moment, it would be wise for Victor Orta and whoever replaced Paul Heckingbottom to go after the Brentford ace.
However Leeds may not be the only team interested in Watkins this summer.
Celebrity Middlesbrough fan Bob Mortimer has claimed on his personal Twitter account that Tony Pulis should be looking to sign the winger up for himself this summer to add some extra pace to his midfield.
“Boro need pace and skill in midfield….should be going for Luke Freeman and Ollie Watkins not tired old tat,” the comedian said.
https://twitter.com/RealBobMortimer/status/1002840705780404224
There are bound to be fans of other Championship teams calling on their clubs to sign Watkins this summer and Leeds must attempt to break their hearts by beating the likes of Pulis to the 22-year-old’s signature.
Last summer, Get West London reported that Leeds were among a clutch of Championship clubs eyeing up the winger.
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were said to be keen on signing him before he chose Brentford, but with one of those clubs facing serious Financial Fair Play difficulties and the other having less resources than the Whites, the Yorkshire club should be able to pull off a move if a race was to spark back up again.
Pablo Hernandez is not getting any younger and is unlikely to remain at Elland Road for another season when his contract expires next year.
Ezgjan Alioski has blown hot and cold while the back-up options like Hadi Sacko and Pawel Cibicki are not up to the standards of the Championship.
Although it has just been one season, Watkins would be a perfect addition for Leeds this summer and Orta must look for a way to welcome him to Elland Road before anyone else beats them to his signature.