1. Ollie Watkins (Brentford)
Brentford has had a brilliant season so far and find themselves sitting Fifth in the Championship, battling to be in the play-offs. Much of this down to the goals of Ollie Watkins. The 24-year-old has scored 22 goals and provided 3 assists in thirty-four appearances in the Championship this season, only Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored more.
Sebastian Haller has struggled to live up to his £45 million price tag, due to many reasons. Haller has not suited the system of football that the team has played for the majority of the season. This has seen his effectiveness be limited to only a few matches this season. The Hammer’s other recognized striker, Albian Ajeti, has failed to have any sort of impact since arriving from FC Basel.
Watkins can play anywhere across the front three, especially as he has a quick turn of pace. The Englishman would be able to replace a few players that are likely to be on their way out of the club in the summer. Forwards such as Andriy Yarmolenko and Albian Ajeti have had very little game time since David Moyes’ arrival at the club and are likely to sold to boost the transfer budget.
Currently valued at £13.5 million on TransferMarkt.com, Brentford would want most likely command a much higher fee for their talisman. Watkins, however, could come into the squad and fill a multiple of roles at West Ham. The Englishman could challenge Haller for the starting berth. The Brentford striker could even play up top with the Frenchman in potentially deadly striking duo.