Crystal Palace are ready to battle with Aston Villa for £25 million rated Brentford forward Ollie Watkins, it has been reported by The Evening Standard.
As Roy Hodgson goes in search of much-needed firepower at the top of the pitch for his squad, it appears that the Brentford striker, who was the club’s top goalscorer with 26 goals in the league and play-offs, could be the right man for the job.
However, it is believed Brentford will still demand a premium for their prolific striker despite them missing out on promotion on both the final day of the season and in the play-off final.
Watkins will not be the only Brentford man targetted by Premier League clubs this summer following their failure to achieve promotion. Both Said Benrhama and Rico Henry have already attracted major interest in recent days.
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The Eagles are in desperate need for more goals from their frontmen, their current attack produced just 31 goals across 38 league games last season with Jordan Ayew finishing the season as the club’s top scorer with just nine Premier League goals.
Watkins could provide a valuable presence alongside Ayew, perhaps replacing former fan favourite Cristian Benteke, who only managed two goals in 24 games last season.
Another potential striking option who has enjoyed a successful loan spell away from the club, Alexander Sorloth, is expected to make his move to Turkish side Trabzonspor permanent, leaving even more space for Watkins in the Eagles squad and freeing up some funds for the deal too.
Hodgson knows he needs reinforcements in the goals tally ahead of the 2020/21 campaign. Watkins who likes to operate centrally allowing Ayew to move out to his preferred right-sided role could be a perfect, if a little expensive, option.
