Leeds United have reportedly been handed a big boost in their chase of Brentford striker Ollie Watkins.
Watkins, who ended the 2019-20 Championship season as the second-highest goal-scorer — one goal behind leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic — could be on his way out following Brentford’s Championship play-off final loss.
According to talkSPORT, Brentford are closing in on signing Ivan Toney, who could be a replacement for Watkins.
Watkins formed a deadly partnership with Said Benrahma and Bryan Mbeumo, who were dubbed “BMW” by their fans. In his three seasons in the Championship with Brentford, Watkins racked up 49 goals and 17 assists in 143 games in all competitions.
The 24-year old has three years remaining on his current deal with Brentford, having signed a new contract last year.
Ollie Watkins – Why Leeds United should make a move
Watkins had a phenomenal 2019-20 Championship campaign, helping his side to the Championship play-off final. The Bees fell at the final hurdle, though, losing to Fulham in the final.
Following his great season, it’s widely expected that Watkins, as well as Benrahma, will leave the club, with several Premier League sides chasing them.
Watkins is a player that likes to run in behind defences, using his decent pace and excellent finishing ability to good effect. The Englishman, who has previously played out wide, excelled and became a potent goal-scorer after being converted into a centre-forward.
The forward who can drop deep to link play up, or even run into the wide areas to make an impact for his team. The 24-year-old is good in the air as well.
Leeds United could do with a real goal-getter in the Premier League. Patrick Bamford, Leeds’ first-choice striker in the 2019-20 season, scored just 16 goals in 45 appearances, and lacked the composure in front of goal.
The Whites’ other options upfront last season were Jean-Kévin Augustin and Eddie Nketiah, who were both on loan at the club.
Tyler Roberts has played in upfront on occasions, but the role does not suit him. That leaves manager Marcelo Bielsa with just one first-team striker in Bamford. Watkins’ good finishing is needed at Leeds as the Whites create numerous chances, but don’t have a clinical finisher to put them away.
Although Watkins will not come with Premier League experience, he has shown that he is too good for the Championship, and perhaps proving himself in the top-flight will help him push on to the next stage of his career.
