Journalist: Ollie Watkins could be tempted to join West Ham
West Ham could lure Ollie Watkins to the London Stadium but any potential move will hinge on Champions League qualification.
According to ExWHUemployee, the Hammers made an enquiry for the England international in January.
They missed out on him, but the Hammers could move for him again in the summer.
According to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown, the Hammers could tempt him in the summer, but it looks difficult as Villa might not want to let him go.
“Would Ollie Watkins leave Villa? It depends,” said Brown to GiveMeSport.
“If West Ham were to do something special and really get in the top four or get into the Champions League, that might turn his head. But he’s kind of Villa’s crown jewel, so it would be hard for them to let him go.”
Unlikely
It looks highly unlikely, but it all depends on West Ham’s Europa League campaign.
The Hammers have missed out on the top four in the Premier League, but they could still secure a place in the Champions League next season if they win the Europa League this term.
The Hammers desperately need to sign a striker in the summer, with the club heavily reliant on Michail Antonio.
Watkins is a key player for Villa. The former Brentford striker joined Villa for £28m [BBC Sport] back in 2020, and the Villans are under no pressure to sell them.
If he leaves, the Hammers will have to pay at least double the money for him. He is fast, quick thinking and scores regularly.
On top of that, he is an extremely hard-working striker who drops deep and takes part in game making, a typical modern-day striker, something David Moyes would appreciate.
In other West Ham news, Ray Parlour says this ace must be regretting the decision he made about the Irons.
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