Southampton: Saints set to revive interest in Brentford man

Southampton are reportedly set to revive their interest in Brentford forward Ollie Watkins this summer as they look to add firepower to their squad.

According to a report from Sky Sports, the Saints will battle with fellow Premier League sides Sheffield United and Crystal Palace for the 23-year-old’s signature.

Playing as a winger at Brentford during the 2018/19 season, Watkins contributed with 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions to help his current side to an 11th-placed finish in the Championship.

He joined the Bees in the summer of 2017 from Exeter City and has impressed in the second-tier following that £1.8m move.

A move to the top-flight could prove attractive to him should a concrete offer come in for his services.

With Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl looking to sign young players of great potential to build for a brighter future, Watkins could be a name that is high on his transfer shortlist in this off-season.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Whilst he has been playing as a winger/inside forward with Brentford, the way that Hasenhuttl has worked with his current squad could hint at the way he could adapt Watkins’ game.

Nathan Redmond was a prime example in the second half of the last campaign.

His production as a stock winger had been disappointing under Mark Hughes despite it being clear the amount of effort he was putting in.

Hasenhuttl’s decision to turn him into an attacking-midfielder who was capable of playing in the half spaces in front of opposition defences then saw him net nine goals and lay on a further four for his teammates from December until May.

Other attacking additions will also be needed though as the Saints squad needs another central striker.

Defensive signings are also a must to enable a much tighter but more rounded group for the 2019/20 campaign.

The Championship is clearly being looked at by Saints for the talent that it provides though and other players to be linked include Birmingham City’s Che Adams and Derby County loanee Harry Wilson.