Journalist Phil Hay has admitted that he can’t see Leeds United making a move for Ollie Watkins this summer.
It appears no secret that Leeds wouldn’t mind a new forward arriving at Elland Road this summer judging by their unsuccessful pursuit of Charles De Ketelaere and links to the likes of Che Adams and Watkins, who has been hailed as a ‘top player‘.
The latter reportedly has a tense relationship with Steven Gerrard and could be offered to Leeds in the remainder of the transfer window according to reporter Dean Jones for as little as £25m, despite being an England international and proven Premier League goalscorer.
Hay, however, doesn’t see a scenario in which Leeds go in for Watkins this summer.
Would Watkins be an upgrade on Bamford?
Yes!
No!
Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, he said: “He does seem to be out of favour. They looked closely at Watkins back when they signed Rodrigo from Valencia, and I think had Valencia not agreed to sell Rodrigo, or had they not been able to do that deal, Watkins is almost certainly who they would have gone for next. There was plenty of contact there and plenty of discussion about it.
“I don’t see them going back in for that one, particularly. I think Villa would want to recoup some cash on that if indeed he is going to be on his way.”
TIF Thoughts on links to Watkins…
It would be a serious coup for Leeds if they were to land Watkins as he would be an instant upgrade on Patrick Bamford, with the Villa ace boasting a better record in front of goal in the Premier League than the Leeds man, while he would beef out their striker department.
However, after Watkins’ impressive display on Saturday afternoon which saw him register two assists in his first start of the season, Aston Villa may well reconsider their stance on the striker, because even without his great performances last weekend, it would leave them very light up front if he was to leave.