Leeds won’t find it easy to sign Ollie Watkins this summer.
Doncaster Rovers’ Tommy Rowe in action with Exeter City’s Ollie Watkins
Last month Leeds United were linked with a summer move for Exeter City frontman Ollie Watkins by The Sun (12/3).
Watkins, 21, has been outstanding this season and has bagged 14 goals and provided 11 assists for the League Two side.
Leeds’ chances of signing Watkins have now been made tougher with the young prospect winning a high profile award.
Watkins was honoured at the EFL Awards, winning the Young Player of the Season gong, beating competition from Reading’s John Swift and Oxford’s Ryan Ledson.
This is the award won in 2016 by Leeds United talent Lewis Cook, who subsequently signed for Bournemouth last summer in a £6 million deal.
Leeds United’s Lewis Cook scores
Exeter will be able to command a higher fee than previously speculated for Watkins, having already made clear they do not intend to sell on the cheap.
His increased profile helps them out and makes it tougher for interested club Leeds United, while it will also put other teams on high alert.
Ollie Watkins of Exeter City (L) scores
Devon Live reported in late January that Aston Villa and Derby County had Watkins on their radar, and Premier League teams could well now join the fray.
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