Report: West Ham join race to sign Brentford striker Ollie Watkins

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West Ham United are involved in the race to sign Brentford striker Ollie Watkins this summer, according to a report from the Guardian.

The Bees will now be bracing themselves for a fight to keep their best players. Thomas Frank’s side were one of the most impressive throughout the Championship season. However, they were unable to get across the line in the promotion race.

The Guardian notes that a host of sides want Watkins. According to the report, Crystal Palace, Leeds and Aston Villa are amongst those tracking the 24-year-old.

And the Guardian has suggested that the Irons are also keen on Watkins, who scored 26 league goals this season for the Bees.

It is claimed that he will cost £18 million.

TBR View: Watkins could be inspired addition for Hammers

David Moyes certainly appears to need greater depth up front heading into next season. Sebastien Haller struggled for much of his first campaign in England.

Watkins is a player who seems to tick a lot of boxes. He has shown during his time at Griffin Park that he can play in a central role up front, or out wide.

Given that versatility and his reported asking price, it seems to be a no-brainer for the likes of West Ham to make a move.

Unfortunately for the Hammers, it appears that plenty of their rivals also believe that he would be a brilliant signing during this window.