Brentford forward Ollie Watkins is being targeted by Crystal Palace, who are considering a player-plus-cash deal for the Championship star, according to reports.
The Daily Mail states that Palace are hoping that Alexander Sorloth will be wanted as part of the deal by Brentford, who was signed for Palace from FC Midtjylland – who are also owned by Brentford’s owners.
Watkins, 23, has scored 20 league goals in two seasons at Griffin Park and has caught the eye of Palace’s recruitment team, who might be looking to add depth to their attacking line-up or find a potential successor for Wilfried Zaha.
Zaha has been subjected to much transfer speculation throughout the summer, though Palace have had a boost in their hopes of keeping the midfielder after Arsenal agreed a fee of £72m (BBC) for Nicolas Pepe, essentially ruling out any potential deal between Palace and Arsenal, unless the deal falls through. Everton are now front runners, after making a reported £55m bid (Sky Sports).
With Bakary Sako leaving Palace on a free this summer, the club is now in need of another winger to help challenge the first-team. Zaha and Townsend tend to play on the left and right for Palace, unless they play in a 4-4-2, a formation Roy Hodgson used 21 times last season (via WhoScored). Apart from Jeffrey Schlupp and Jordan Ayew Palace have no other player that is capable of playing on the wings form their first team.
Watkins is a young, attacking talent who is very direct and likes a shot on goal. Last season, the forward averaged more shots than Zaha (2.2 per game to 2.1), more key passes (1.7 to 1.6) and contributed more assists with 6 to 5 (also via WhoScored).
Watkins plays primarily in Zaha’s position on the left-wing, but he is capable of playing on the right and through the middle, which could mean Townsend, Zaha and Watkins could be deployed in the same 11, if one of the last two names were to play as the central striker.
Palace have also registered interest in Ismaila Sarr, according to reports. However, with Sarr likely to cost £30million – a large sum of money, especially while Palace desperately need to reinforce right-back and offensive positions after the departures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Michy Batshuayi – Watkins might prove to be a viable alternative.
Ollie Watkins would be a good buy from Crystal Palace, who are in need of another winger with an eye for goal, as they are seriously short if an injury occurs.
Palace could also get Sorloth off the wage bill, who has struggled at the club, not scoring in any of the 16 league games he has played for the south London outfit.
Based on that, moving for the Brentford man seems a no-brainer.
Crystal Palace fans, do you want to see Watkins at Selhurst Park? Tell us in the comment section below!
