Josh King has been in sensational form since his arrival in Bournemouth (Getty Images)
According to a report from Calciomercato, Watford are interested in signing Bournemouth striker Josh King in the summer.
The Norwegian international, 27, has enjoyed another solid season under Eddie Howe at the Vitality Stadium, bagging 11 goals in the Premier League. In fact, Josh King has been a consistent performer for the Cherries since signing from Blackburn Rovers in 2015.
His goalscoring exploits this season haven’t gone unnoticed as Watford are seemingly planning a summer swoop. Despite enjoying an excellent season, where they currently lie eighth in the table, the Hornets have scored just 42 goals.
Troy Deeney has eight goals so far but he’ll turn 31 in June. Deeney has been a fantastic servant at the Vicarage Road since joining from Walsall in 2010. Even though he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, Javi Gracia needs to start planning for the future from now.
Meanwhile, Andre Gray hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at Watford and has been in and out of the team this season. Also, Isaac Success has scored just once in 24 league games this term which suggest why Watford are in dire need of a prolific goalscorer in their ranks.
Josh King would be a good fit for Watford as he has the qualities to thrive in Gracia’s system. Firstly, the 27-year-old has been in the Premier League for four seasons now, gaining valuable experience.
He did fail to make the grade at Manchester United but after working his way through loan spells in lower leagues, the centre-forward earned a move to Bournemouth ahead of their first-ever season in the Premier League in 2015.
Since then the Norwegian has been a consistent scorer for the Seacoast side. He has scored 11 goals so far this campaign, forming a fantastic understanding with the likes of Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and David Brooks in the final third of the pitch.
King is blessed with good pace, energy, agility and technique and uses his strength to muscle away players.
The 27-year-old is strong in the air and makes intelligent runs in behind the defenders to finish off chances. The ex-Manchester United trainee is also a composed finisher in front of goal, whilst possessing the ability to create chances for his teammates.
Truly, King can provide the right kind of competition to the Watford strikers and add a much-needed depth to the squad.
A strong, pacey and intelligent striker, King will embark upon his peak years. He can be an excellent player on his day and with Watford shooting for European ambitions next season, this move would certainly be a step in the right direction.