Sky Sports: West Brom want to sign two players from one club – but one wants to join Aston Villa
West Brom have set their sights on signing Rico Henry and Ollie Watkins from Brentford this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported in their live transfer blog on Wednesday [04:47pm] that Slaven Bilic is a “big admirer” of the two players, who played key roles at Griffin Park last season as the Bees reached the Championship play-off final.
Left-back Henry, 23, made 51 appearances in all competitions for Brentford last term while striker Watkins, 24, fired in 26 goals in 50 total appearances.
While it is completely understandable as to why West Brom would want these two players, they appear to be facing an uphill battle in the race to sign Watkins.
Sky Sports adds that not only do Brentford want at least £25million for the former Exeter striker, he also wants to join Albion’s rivals Aston Villa so he can reunite with Dean Smith.
Villa are said to be keen on Watkins, as are Crystal Palace, who Watkins might view as a more established Premier League club and a move to Selhurst Park could also be attractive to someone already playing in London.
Watkins’ stance on joining Villa and his massive price-tag are major issues for West Brom so we do not expect to see him heading to The Hawthorns this summer.
There have been reports that West Brom’s transfer budget this summer is around £25million, so a deal to sign the Brentford forward could wipe the entire budget in one go.
That wouldn’t be smart planning for next season, especially as there are other areas of the squad that need strengthening.
Left-back is one of them and Henry could be a good fit in that role.
However the former Walsall left-back, who was born in Birmingham, has another three years left on his contract at Brentford.
Signing him could be difficult too but if one of the two Brentford players was a more achievable signing, it would be Henry.
In other West Brom news, this £55,000-a-week Baggies ace has been tipped to head to China this summer.
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