Ollie Watkins has established himself as a key figure at Brentford (Getty Images)
As per a report from the Daily Mail, Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur are planning a January swoop for talented Brentford attacker Ollie Watkins.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had a quiet summer as they made no signings owing to the rising costs of their new stadium. However, the Argentine boss is believed to be keen on strengthening his squad in the January transfer window and has identified the 22-year-old Watkins as a potential target. (h/t Daily Mail)
The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks at Exeter City and after a short loan stint Western-Super-Mare AFC in 2015, Watkins joined Brentford in the summer of 2017. He enjoyed a solid debut campaign at Griffin Park, scoring 11 goals and assisting 5 more in 48 appearances across all competitions.
He has continued in a similar vein of form in the ongoing campaign, having already found the back of the net on six occasions and setting up three more in 16 Championship outings. In fact, Watkins’ tally of six goals is the second best in the Brentford squad, only behind striker Neal Maupay who has netted 12 times.
A versatile attacker, Watkins can play anywhere in the final third of the pitch – be it on either flank or as a centre-forward. He has been mostly used on the left flank by Brentford this term, from where he has the penchant to cut inside and have a go at the goal.
He also has the ability to open up defences with through balls and create opportunities for his teammates. A potent dribbler with pace in abundance, the 22-year-old Englishman brings a sense of directness and cutting edge to the Bees’ forward play.
Tottenham, despite their lack of signings in the summer, have made a solid start to the season. They currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, five points off of leaders Manchester City. However, reinforcements in the final third will be a welcome move for the Lilywhites, if they are to continue competing on multiple fronts over the course of the season.
Signing a player of Watkins’ versatility would allow Pochettino to use him as a backup to star striker Harry Kane, with Fernando Llorente seemingly out of the manager’s plans. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old can easily deputize out in the wide areas for the likes of Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min.
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The Englishman might take a while to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League but there is no doubt that he is a player brimming with immense potential. And working with a manager like Pochettino, who is known to get the best out of up and coming young talents, could work wonders for the player and for Spurs as well. Hence, the North Londoners should go ahead with their pursuit of the Brentford star.
