In-the-know reporter @ExWHUemployee has discussed whether or not West Ham United will make a move for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins.
During the 2019/20 Championship season, Watkins was in impressive form after he bagged a whopping 26 goals in 49 league appearances (per WhoScored).
The English striker’s impressive goals record was enough to earn him a 7.26/10 average rating in the league which made him the Bees’ second-best performer (per WhoScored).
Reportedly, due to the fact that Brentford were not promoted to the Premier League, Watkins could be available for just £18m this summer after a buy-out clause was activated.
So, in the latest episode of The West Ham Way Podcast, @ExWHUemployee discussed whether or not the Hammers will make a move for the forward.
He said: “In terms of forwards, Watkins is probably going to be out of our price range, now.
“[Aston] Villa are interested in him, [I] think he’s around about £20m.
“I don’t think we’d spend that on a forward, because obviously at the moment we’re still going to have [Sebastien] Haller, [Michail] Antonio, possibly [Xande] Silva if we chance with him.
“Then, I reckon we’ll sign someone else. There’s been talk of signing [Fabio] Borini on a free transfer.”
TIF Thoughts…
Judging from what @ExWHUemployee had to say, he seemingly does not believe that the Hammers will be making a move for Watkins this summer.
Would you like to see West Ham try and sign Ollie Watkins?
No, we don't need him
Yes, he's a good player
According to 90min, the Irons had scouted the English frontman in March and it was believed that they wanted to ‘secure his signature in the summer’.
However, the in-the-know reporter has poured cold water on that report, although it is not as though Watkins is without his suitors as several Premier League clubs are still eyeing him (via Transfermarkt).
So, it will be interesting to see where Watkins does end up this summer if he does leave the Bees.