Leeds United-focused Twitter account @AllLeedsTV caught the attention of some Whites fans recently after they posted a tweet sharing the alleged news that Leeds ‘are keen on Brentford’s Ollie Watkins.’
As per The Sunday Mirror (via The Express), Leeds United are lining up a move for Watkins who is said to be valued at around £20-30m.
However, the Whites’ chances of securing the 24-year-old Englishman’s signature are expected to be ‘extremely slim’ if the Bees secure promotion to England’s top-flight for the 2020/21 campaign via Tuesday’s Championship play-off final.
After @AllLeedsTV shared this alleged news about Leeds’ interest in Watkins via a tweet, plenty of Leeds fans flocked to their post to react to this claim.
Leeds United are keen on Brentford's Ollie Watkins, rated at £30m, and could look to steal the Bees striker if they lose the Championship play-off final on Tuesday night. (Express) #Lufc #AllFulhanArntWe #Bees #Brentford pic.twitter.com/AO0g6RNxAt
— All Leeds TV (@AllLeedsTV) August 2, 2020
Some Whites supporters reacted negatively to this alleged news, with many of them declaring that they believe the forward is overpriced based on this report.
We can get better than Watkins I’m certain of it. Not sure 30m is a steal, more like extortion #LUFC
— LUFC – Just a fan (EPL Leeds United) ??? (@LufcJust) August 2, 2020
Over priced at £30m!! I believe he has a buy out clause of around £18m? I don’t know why but I keep having this feeling that Fulham will do the business at Wembley? I think the nerves will get to Brentford!
— Adrian Argyros (@TheArgyrosHouse) August 2, 2020
Not for 30m for me
— MickZanetti ?? (@ZanettiMick) August 2, 2020
30million must be some kind of joke!!!
Worth no where near that amount #lufc https://t.co/544B8Ok4Xh
— chris wilson ? (@willowlufc) August 2, 2020
However, other Leeds fans reacted more positively to this alleged transfer news, sharing that they would like to see Watkins at Elland Road next season.
Is Ollie Watkins worth £30m?
YES
NO
I really rate him and would love to have him at ER.
— TonyB (@giptonboy) August 3, 2020
He’s decent would be a good signing
— Connor ? (@MarkoConnor27) August 2, 2020
Would take him ??
— Deano??? (@DeanMckeating) August 2, 2020
Watkins scored 25 Championship goals during the regular 2020/21 season. He ended the campaign as the second-highest goalscorer in England’s second-tier, trailing only to Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic. Considering that Watkins scored more league goals than any Leeds player during the 2020/21 campaign, it may be understandable why the Whites may view him as an upgrade on their attacking options ahead of their Premier League return next season.
However, Brentford may be reluctant to sell the player to a direct league rival and as a result, this potential deal may rely heavily on the outcome of Tuesday’s Championship play-off final clash between the Bees and Fulham, as reports have suggested.