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Paratici and Tottenham working on deal for ‘battering ram’ attacker

Tottenham Hotspur are working on plan to try and lure Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to the capital next summer, according to a report in Spain.

Watkins has been a huge hit at Villa Park since his move from Brentford in September. Dean Smith paid an initial fee of £28m, rising to £33m for the 25-year-old.

A few eyebrows were raised at the money that Villa paid for the Torquay-born No. 9, but Smith’s faith has been repaid.

Watkins has scored 16 goals and grabbed five assists in 44 games for the Villans and a number of clubs have taken notice of his progress.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a confirmed admirer of Watkins and confirmed back in April his liking for the striker.

“Ollie is a really, really talented striker,” Klopp said.

“Obviously the manager knew him from before and it was a really good signing. The whole Brentford attacking line was exceptional in the Championship season before.

“So that suits really well, he’s physically strong so he can keep the ball. He can jump high, he is very fast – that’s a good package. Nobody has to remind me how good he is.”

Now though, according to Fichajes, Spurs are looking at Watkins with a view to making a summer offer.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici is looking for another centre forward. They only  have Harry Kane at the moment and the England man’s long-term future is far from assured.

Kane was looking to manoeuvre a move to Manchester City in the summer, but ending up staying at Spurs, saying: “I will be staying at Tottenham this summer…”

It was hardly a resounding outcome for Daniel Levy and there are rumours Kane will look to leave again next summer if Spurs fail to hit silverware again.

Watkins scored v Tottenham

If he does leave then Spurs’ need will become greater. And one of the names on Paratici and Levy’s list is Watkins.

A “profile that fits perfectly with the sporting plan that the team has in the short and long term”.

 

The source also suggest that Spurs have been attracted by “battering ram” Watkins by his “mobility and ability to generate spaces”

The latest speculation from Spain also fits with reports from May.

According to The Sun, Spurs had Watkins and Danny Ings, who ironically went to Villa from Southampton, on their radar to replace Kane.

That was just days after Watkins had scored against Spurs in a 2-1 Villa win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

READ MORE: Tottenham told why West Ham target would be mad to join, as Liverpool circle

 

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