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According to Sky Sports, Southampton are long-term admirers of Brentford attacker Ollie Watkins and they are expected to revisit their interest in the 23-year-old.
Sky Sports report that newly-promoted Premier League club Sheffield United are keen on the Bees forward themselves, with Chris Wilder keen to strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the top flight.
However, the story says that the Blades may face competition from Saints and Crystal Palace for the former Exeter City man, although the Eagles’ interest could depend on whether Wilfried Zaha stays or goes during the summer transfer window.
Southampton fans may love Ralph Hasenhuttl but do the owners? Check out the video below…
It is no surprise that Watkins is attracting interest from suitors given he scored 12 goals and provided a further nine assists this season, as well as his versatility – he played everywhere across the front three last term and showed his strength playing from either wing.
The St Mary’s faithful have got used to seeing their 2018/19 player of the year Nathan Redmond cutting in from the left and generally causing chaos, and the image below of the Brentford ace running at Sheffield Wednesday’s Liam Palmer is sure to remind them of the England international.
Should the exciting 23-year-old arrive at Southampton he would likely either be featuring on either the left or right flank, potentially allowing Redmond to play in more of a central role as he often did in recent months.
There is no doubt that Ralph Hasenhuttl needs another attacking individual who can adhere to his pressing style, and Watkins certainly fits the bill.
He would provide a much-needed extra threat in the final third for Saints, who will be looking to avoid their third successive relegation battle next season.