West Ham United target Ollie Watkins would ‘fit in perfectly’ at the London Stadium, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers have been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old of late as manager David Moyes looks to finally add another striker to his first-team squad.

What is the latest news involving Watkins?

According to The Guardian, West Ham have ‘explored the possibility’ of signing Watkins and could decide to test Aston Villa’s resolve by making a formal offer in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that there has been speculation that Steven Gerrard could be prepared to let the England international depart Villa Park, although would demand at least £50 million for his first-choice forward.

Watkins has gone from strength to strength since leaving Brentford nearly two years ago, registering 26 goals and six assists in 73 appearances for the Villans.

And his impressive performances at club level have ensured that he has a good chance of being included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup later this year.

However, Watkins also appears to have caught the eye of Moyes, and it’s not hard to understand why.

The pacey attacker has experience playing as a lone striker, works extremely hard for his teammates, is an aerial threat and an intelligent presser, making him an ideal fit for West Ham’s style of play.

What has Jones said about Watkins?

Brown believes Watkins would slot into the capital club’s system seamlessly, providing some much-needed cover and competition for Michail Antonio.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I can see why West Ham would want him; I think he'd fit in perfectly. You could even play Watkins and Antonio at times, either way round, one in front of the other, or switching, or in a two.

“And if they were to be in Europe next season, you'd probably need two strikers like that just subbing in for each other, even if you only played with one up top every game, so I can see the logic.”

Do West Ham need another striker?

West Ham have only had one recognised striker on their books since they offloaded Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January 2021 via a £20.25m deal.

Antonio has been leading the line admirably since then, but the Jamaica international has just turned 32, and with the possibility of European football returning to the London Stadium next term, he will surely need some help.

Moyes is likely to prioritise a new marksman this summer, therefore, adding another option to his threadbare forward line.