West Ham eyeing move for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins as scouts watch 22-goal hero

WEST HAM are watching Brentford's Ollie Watkins with the view to making a summer bid to bring the striker to the London Stadium.

Watkins has been one of the driving forces of Brentford's challenge for promotion from the Championship this season hitting 22 goals in 37 appearances.

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The Hammers had considered trying to sign the 24-year-old former Exeter star last month but found the Bees unwilling to do business as they chase a place in the Premier League.

But West Ham are preparing to go back with a firm attempt to capture his signature over the close season should Brentford's promotion challenge fall short.

Boss David Moyes has plans to drastically change the make-up of his squad this summer should he prove successful in guiding the club to top flight safety.

One of the key areas he is looking at is targeting younger players from the Championship who have the potential to step up to flourish in the top level.

The £20million signing of Jarrod Bowen from Hull was the first step in that process, and Watkins is another under consideration as Moyes plots an overhaul in East London.

Watkins was also linked with a move to Champions League chasing Sheffield United. 

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But the Blades cooled their interest by the time the winter window opened.

The Hammers broke their club record to sign Sebastian Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt for £45million this summer. 

But the Frenchman has only managed seven goals in his 27 appearances so far this season.