West Ham United could reportedly pursue a deal to sign Brentford striker Ollie Watkins in the summer to strengthen their attack.
The 24-year-old forward, who has been with the Championship side since 2017, has been in excellent form this season.
As per The Sun, David Moyes’ side was interested in signing Watkins in January, but could not complete a deal to bring the Englishman to the London Stadium.
But, they could move for him in the summer as per the report, if the Hammers stay up in the Premier League. Sheffield United were also reportedly interested in signing Watkins.
Watkins has scored 22 goals in the Championship this season in 35 games, while also assisting thrice.
Since signing for Brentford in 2017, Watkins has scored 45 goals and made 17 assists in 129 games for the club. His current deal with the club expires in 2023, having signed an extension in 2019.
Ollie Watkins – The player West Ham United need?
West Ham United have struggled for goals this season, which has subsequently resulted in a relegation battle.
The Hammers’ top-scorer is summer signing and the club’s most expensive player, Sebastien Haller, who has scored just 7 goals in 26 Premier League appearances. Moyes needs a talisman striker who can score 15-20 goals next season, to target a respectable finish next season – if they stay up this season, that is.
The Hammers signed Jarrod Bowen in January to add goals to the team, but they will need another goal-scorer to compete with the likes of Bowen and Haller. Watkins could very well be that player.
The 24-year-old forward is a player who is good in the air, as well as the ball at his feet. Watkins averages 2 aerial duels won in each game in the Championship this season, and averaging 2.6 shots on goal per game.
A quick and skillful player, Watkins likes to drop deep and run at defences, cutting in from wide areas. He is capable of playing as a winger as well as an attacking midfielder, apart from playing as a striker.
Signing a young and promising goal-scorer like Watkins would be a good move by the Hammers as they lack competition and quality in the final third.
