Sheffield United will make a bid for Brentford attacker Ollie Watkins in January if another top flight club comes in for him.
That’s according to the Sheffield Star, who report that Watkins remains firmly on the Blades’ radar.
Manager Chris Wilder is a long-term admirer of the 23-year-old and considered an official approach for him earlier in 2019.
Watkins has since stepped up as the Bees’ main goal threat this season following the departure of Neal Maupay to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Generally considered a winger during his career, the Exeter City academy product is in excellent form as a central striker this term. Watkins already has 12 goals in 19 Championship matches in 2019/20.
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Will Sheffield United make a move for Watkins?
(Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Despite Wilder’s admiration of the forward, strengthening attack is not a priority for United during the upcoming transfer window.
The Blades boss recently met in Dubai with owner Prince Abdullah and director Jan van Winckel to discuss their strategy. A picture taken at that meeting inadvertently revealed that defence and midfield were the priorities.
Yet it seems that if another Premier League side makes a move for Watkins then Wilder will not want to miss out.
Of course, any bid for the former Exeter man will depend on budget. That was also discussed in Dubai and it remains to be seen how much Wilder has to spend in the New Year.
The Sun previously reported of the Blades’ interest in Watkins. At the time in early October, it was said United were prepared to pay around £15m.
The piece also revealed that Crystal Palace were interested in Watkins, but were put off by his price-tag. The attacker admitted that he had his “head turned” by the speculation.
Wilder does already have five options upfront, with three signed this summer. Therefore, fitting Watkins in could prove difficult.
