West Brom want to sign English centre-forward with £18m buy-out clause – reports
West Brom manager Slaven Bilic wants to sign Brentford forward Ollie Watkins this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper – which is regularly a reliable source of Albion news – claims that the Baggies want to provide more competition for “first-choice” striker Charlie Austin ahead of next season.
As a result, is understood that Fenerbahce’s Vedat Muriqi and 24-year-old Watkins are on West Brom’s radar this summer.
Watkins is someone who we would love to see play in blue and white stripes next season.
The former Exeter City striker has scored 26 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions for the Bees this term, one of which being the winner against West Brom at Griffin Park last month.
The Athletic has previously reported that there is a buy-out clause in Watkins’ contract at Brentford, which is around £18million.
Southampton and Crystal Palace are said to be interested in Watkins too, so it is important that West Brom move fast to sign the Griffin Park ace this summer if Thomas Frank’s side miss out on promotion to the Premier League.
If the Bees go up, then it will surely be more difficult to strike a deal for the West London goal machine.
But, if not, it would be an absolute dream to see him spearheading Bilic’s attack in the Premier League next season.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are set to bid £6.3million for this Croatia international.
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