A few months ago, it was revealed by the Northern Echo’s Chief Football Writer, Paul Fraser, that Newcastle had scouts watching Brenford trio Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma and Bryan Mbuemo.
The brilliant Bees forward line have bagged a stunning 52 goals and 17 assists between them in the second tier this season and all look worthy of a move to the Premier League this summer, whether Brentford are promoted or not.
On that subject, it was interesting to see The Athletic reveal today that one of those has a £18m release clause in his contract – Ollie Watkins.
Some may feel we should only be in the market for proven strikers, however Watkins looks every bit ready to make the step up and do a Callum Wilson – a player who was prolific in the second tier but had to tools to soon become someone capable of getting into double figures each season for Bournemouth.
Watkins, 24, is the league’s joint top scorer on 23 goals, but also weighs in with his fair share of assists, being involved in 46 goals across the past two seasons.
He’s also 6ft tall, but mobile and quick enough to burst past a man, suggesting to me he has the profile of a player who could definitely make it at Premier League level.
Talk of potential signings may seem pointless while a takeover delay leaves everything in limbo, however we’ll be looking for another striker whether a deal gets approved or not, and he could be an option well worth pursuing if a Saudi deal is blocked and we’re forced to shop smart this summer.
