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West Ham legend wants Brentford striker at the London Stadium

By Henry Tomlinson

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Ollie Watkins of Brentford celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi-final 2nd Leg between Brentford and Swansea City at Griffin Park on July 29, 2020 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Ollie Watkins of Brentford celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi-final 2nd Leg between Brentford and Swansea City at Griffin Park on July 29, 2020 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images) /
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Legend, Frank McAvennie has urged West Ham United to sign Brentford striker Ollie Watkins after the Bees missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

Watkins is available for £18 million this summer. The striker has attracted a lot of interest from the Premier League with his form over the last twelve months. Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and West Ham have all been linked with moves for the Bees hitman.

The 24-year-old had a great season, scoring twenty-six goals in 50 appearances in all competitions. Watkins also contributed three assists for his teammates, as he was part of a dynamic attacking trio alongside Said Benrahma and Bryan Mbuemo.

This rate of scoring has caught the eye of former West Ham talisman Frank McAvennnie. Speaking exclusively to football insider the scot confessed his admiration of the player and his desire for the Hammers to sign the player. The scot said he “would love” his former side to sign him, especially if he is available for his buy-out clause.

WATFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 19: West Ham strikers Frank McAvennie (l) congratulates fellow goalscorer Tony Cottee, after the pair had each scored in a 2-0 win during a League Division One match between Watford and West Ham United at Vicarage Road on April 19, 1986 in Watford England, The pair scored 46 league goals between them in the 1985/86 season. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Allsport/Getty Images)
WATFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 19: West Ham strikers Frank McAvennie (l) congratulates fellow goalscorer Tony Cottee, after the pair had each scored in a 2-0 win during a League Division One match between Watford and West Ham United at Vicarage Road on April 19, 1986 in Watford England, The pair scored 46 league goals between them in the 1985/86 season. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Allsport/Getty Images) /

"The Scot said “I want to see Watkins at West Ham,” before adding “He is still relatively young so I think he would be a great buy."

McAvennie was one part of a deadly West Ham striker partnership. The Scot and Tony Cottees goals were a crucial contribution to the Hammers best top division finish (3rd 1985-86). But the scot is not a fan of the club’s current striker Sebastien Haller and thinks Watkins could replace the Frenchman as he is a “real talent”.

"“Haller has came in last year and whoever scouted him has not watched West Ham play.“I would love to see Watkins replace him because he is a real talent. He is only 24 and I was around about that age when I went to West Ham, it is a good age. He looks as if he really enjoys the game.”"

Haller has had a problematic maiden campaign at West Ham. The clubs-record signing only scored seven goals since joining for £45 million last summer. This poor form saw the 26-year-old fall behind makeshift forward Michail Antonio in the pecking order. Antonio proved to be the better forward for West Ham. The 30-year-old scored eight goals in July propelling the club to safety.  Antonio was also awarded the Premier League player of the month award for his efforts.

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With West Ham focusing more on signing defenders to strengthen their team, McAvennie may not get his wish. If Haller was to be sold, as his former manager Niko Kovac is interested in bringing him to Monaco however, Watkins has a legends approval to be his replacement.