West Ham United are eyeing up an ambitious move to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer with David Moyes keen on a deal.
The Daily Mail report that Moyes is a big fan of Watkins and is desperate to add more goals to the West Ham side.
That report notes that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah currently looks like the most likely signing to bolster West Ham’s attack.
Watkins is another name on Moyes’ radar though and West Ham could test Villa’s resolve with a summer bid.
Those claims have now been backed up by The Guardian, who suggest that Watkins is a ‘key target’ for West Ham.
West Ham are allegedly exploring the possibility of a deal for Watkins, though Villa would demand at least £50million.
That would be a profit on the £28million they paid to sign Watkins from Brentford back in 2020.
Watkins, 26, hit 14 goals and five assists in the Premier League last season, thriving in his first top-flight campaign.
Watkins has endured something of a dip this season with 10 goals and one assist, but his qualities remain the same.
Quick, hard-working, a great presser and capable of playing out wide if needed, Watkins is a versatile and mobile attacker.
Watkins remains a dangerous Premier League striker and has a great chance at playing for England at the World Cup later this year.
That makes this a very difficult deal for West Ham to pull off, but their outstanding Europa League run may make some ambitious moves possible.
Watkins has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor whilst Jurgen Klopp has called him ‘really talented’.
Such a move would also see Watkins join forces with Said Benrahma again having caused mayhem for Brentford.
It’s no surprise that Watkins is attracting interest, but a £50million move to West Ham would be quite the move and a real statement of intent from the Hammers.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
